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San Antonio Flea Prevention and Treatment

Nobody wants to deal with fleas. These pests can not only be a nuisance to your dog or cat, but they can also cause health problems if not treated promptly. An infestation can range your home inside and out.

That’s why you need to treat your problem at the source. It doesn’t make sense to keep removing fleas from your pets’ bedding if your dog is just going to keep bringing them in. Ideally, Fido or Fluffy should already be on some sort of flea preventative medication on a regular basis. If not, now’s the time to call your vet and get started. Fleas become even more out of control during the warm summer months, so you want to be prepared.

The first step to removing fleas is identifying the problem. Read on to learn about the signs of fleas and how you can treat them in and around the home.

Signs of Fleas

If you’re a pet owner, you should be aware of the signs of a flea infestation. Look for these signs:

  • You can see them. This is probably the most obvious sign that you have fleas. They are small, just ⅛-inch long. They’re also thin and reddish-brown. You can see them easier if your pet has light-colored fur. They have big back legs and can jump 12 inches. Keep in mind that if you see one flea, there are probably 100 more nearby.
  • Your pet is scratching. If your dog or cat seems to be scratching themselves a lot more lately, then fleas may be a possibility. Flea bites are painful, so your pet may be biting at their fur as well to get rid of those pesky fleas.
  • You notice hair loss. If your pet seems to be losing their fur, it could be because of all the scratching they’ve been doing. Fleas are annoying, to say the least, and all the itching and biting they have been doing to your dog or cat can cause their fur to fall out. This is especially true around the legs and the base of the tail.
  • Your pet’s skin is irritated. Flea bites look like small, red dots. If you notice that your pet’s skin looks red and scaly, then you likely have a flea problem on your hands.
  • You notice “flea dirt.” Flea dirt is actually dried blood from where fleas have been feeding and it looks like pepper. You might see it around your pet’s bedding, on the carpet, or anywhere else your dog or cat has been sleeping.
  • You see other remnants. Fleas can leave behind other stuff as well, such as egg shells and larvae. You may also see tapeworms, which are small, rice-like worms that hang around your dog’s rectum area.

Removing the Fleas

If you notice fleas on your pet, your first step is to remove them. Otherwise, the infestation will continue. Use a comb to get through your pet’s fur and remove fleas. Focus on the neck and tail areas. Once you have removed them all, take your pet to the vet and discuss flea medications and treatments. There are pills and dips available, as well as sprays and shampoos to keep your dog’s or cat’s fur clean and healthy.

Once your pet has been fully treated, you need to make your house flea-free as well. If you have carpet in your home, then you’ll want to make sure it is all vacuumed. This is the best way to remove the fleas and eggs. Don’t overlook carpeted furniture, as well as the baseboards. Next, you will want to steam clean the carpeted areas. The heat and soap will kill all types of fleas, including adults.

The next step is to wash all bedding in hot, soapy water. If your pets lie on your bed, wash your bedding as well. Also, focus on other flooring, such as hardwood floors, tile, and linoleum. Fleas can still hide there.

But that’s not all. Keep up with the vacuuming, as this is the best way to get rid of fleas, eggs, and any food sources. Try to vacuum every other day for as long as the infestation lasts (which could be several weeks or a month).

Keep in mind that you could have fleas outdoors as well. Fleas may come from stray dogs and cats as well as wildlife (if you live in a rural area). A good way to test this is to put on a pair of long, white socks and walk around your yard slowly. Go around decks and anywhere your pets like to hang out. As you walk around, the fleas will jump onto your socks and you should notice them quickly due to their darker color.

If you do have fleas, there are many insecticides that can help. Sprays, foggers, and powders can help control flea infestations in and around your home. You can also go all-natural. Salt, citrus, and sulfur are great ways to get rid of fleas without breaking the bank and introducing chemicals to your home.

If the flea infestation gets to be too much, though, don’t be afraid to call in a professional. Eliminating them from your home is not always easy, so don’t hesitate to contact an expert who can help your home feel comfortable again and prevent future infestations.

Contact Our Flea Prevention Experts Today

While your cats and dogs may be your beloved pets, they can bring in unwanted guests such as fleas. Whether they are indoors or outdoors, fleas can be annoying pests that can make you uncomfortable through bites and itching.

Have an infestation? Contact the San Antonio flea prevention experts at Stride Pest Control. Fleas can be hard to eradicate but we have pesticide options that can help. Give us a call at (210) 547-8410 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and get rid of fleas in and around your home.