Sharing your home with fleas can be frustrating, especially for your pets. Not only do fleas bite the furry members of your family, they also reproduce quickly, leading to large infestations. Understanding where fleas come from can help you prevent an infestation. Check out five reasons why fleas could be bugging you.
1. Your Pets Have Fleas
The main reason why fleas hang out in homes is because of pets. Your pets are the perfect host for some flea species. Furry family members can pick up fleas when they are outside. They can also be exposed to these pests if they spend time near animals dealing with fleas. Infested public areas including kennels, groomers, or even the veterinarian’s office can cause your pets to get fleas.
2. Infested Animals in Your Yard
Your pets aren’t the only animals that deal with these pesky bugs. Fleas like to travel on wildlife including deer, raccoons, skunks, and rodents. If these animals pass through your yard, they could leave behind fleas. Having a fence around your yard can help to discourage wildlife. You can also remove attractants that are likely to bring these animals to your space.
3. Fleas Are Attracted to Your Yard
While fleas don’t hop into yards by themselves, they can fall off of hosts. These pests will be more likely to stick around if your yard suits their needs. Fleas like to hide in damp areas. You can often find them in overgrown vegetation, tall grass, and organic matter. Removing yard debris, keeping vegetation trimmed, and minimizing moisture can help to prevent fleas.
4. Fleas Were Carried in With You
These pests typically hitch a ride on animals, but they can also sneak in with you. If you are in an area with fleas, these pests can slip onto your clothing and into your bags. You can also carry fleas into your home on old pieces of furniture. These pests hide in cracks, crevices, and corners of furniture and wait for a host. If you’re bringing furniture into your home, be sure to check it for fleas and their eggs.
5. Fleas Were Already Living in Your Home
If you’ve recently moved into your house or apartment and are dealing with fleas, there’s a chance they were there before you moved in. Fleas can live without a host for a few months. Even if the previous owners thought they dealt with the problem, some could have been left behind. If there were hidden eggs, they could have hatched and started developing. This means you could be dealing with a new generation of adult fleas.
Fleas can drive you and your furry family members crazy. Knowing how these pests get brought into homes can help you avoid an infestation. If you’re dealing with a flea problem, we have your back! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.