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Winning The Battle Against Fleas: Effective Control Strategies For Augusta Homes

August 15, 2023

If you have pets, you know fleas can be a major nuisance. But those fleas don't just pose a threat to your furry family members. They can also become a serious problem for the humans in the household. You can keep these unwanted insects at bay with proper pest control in Augusta. But before you call and schedule an appointment, you need to know how to identify these pests and understand why professional flea control is your best option. Here's what you need to know.

a flea jumping on human skin

Flea Identification: What Do They Look Like?

Luckily, fleas in Augusta are hard to mistake for any other insect in your home. Here are a few key characteristics to watch for so you can be sure that you have a flea problem in the first place:

  • Fleas are tiny, growing between 1/12 to 1/6 of an inch in length, making them hard to see with the naked eye.
  • Fleas range in color from dark brown to dark reddish-brown.
  • Their shapes are distinct if you can see them clearly. Most are flat and have larger hind legs and backwards-pointing bristles. These long legs allow them to jump long distances and move from host to host with ease.

If you notice an insect jumping around your room or see your pet scratching away, you may have fleas in your house.

Health Hazards Of Fleas: Dangers To People And Pets

Most assume that the only hazard fleas pose is in their itchy bites. And while flea bites are one of the most common hazards humans and pets have to deal with in the area, the bites are far from the only ones. In fact, fleas can transmit the following:

  • Murine typhus
  • Tungiasis
  • Tularemia
  • Bartonellosis
  • Tapeworm

And if you have pets, they can end up with anemia, too. While recovery is possible with medical treatment, it's far better to avoid these health hazards in the first place. 

Total Flea Elimination: Call The Pros Right Away!

The best way to get rid of fleas is to work with an experienced professional as soon as you know you have a problem. So, what signs should you watch for? Here are a few telltale symptoms of a flea infestation:

  • Pets scratching and grooming themselves more than normal
  • Unusual fur loss in pets
  • Visible flea bites on humans and animals
  • Flea feces that look like specks on pet bedding and in carpets

If you notice even one of these symptoms, the best thing you can do for your home and your loved ones is to schedule a professional treatment. When you contact an experienced Augusta flea control professional like JPS, we'll inspect your home for signs of fleas. If we see anything that indicates an infestation, we'll help you determine the best next step to keep your loved ones safe.

Once we treat the initial infestation, we can establish a preventative treatment schedule to help you keep your home flea-free in the future.

Effective Flea Prevention: Tips For A Flea-Free Home

Though the best way to deal with fleas is to work with a professional flea removal service, there are still a few things you can do to mitigate your risk of future infestations.

Here are a few proven flea prevention tips to help you keep your home and your loved ones safe:

  • Bathe and groom your pets regularly.
  • Keep dogs on a leash outside, especially when you're away from the yard.
  • Vacuum your home regularly.
  • Use year-round flea prevention medication for all dogs and cats in your household.
  • Keep your lawn mowed and your landscaping well-kept.
  • Address any rodent or wildlife infestations on your property.

If you think you have a flea problem, don't wait. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Augusta. Let our team help you get rid of these unwanted pests.

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