Fleas are common external parasites that bite dogs, cats and people and can transmit tapeworms and bacterial infectionsentomology.ca.uky.edu. Fleas have a high reproductive rate, so ignoring early signs quickly leads to infestationsentomology.ca.uky.edu. Here’s how to manage them:
Understanding Fleas
- Blood‑feeding parasites: Fleas feed on the blood of warm‑blooded animals and can jump onto pets or humans entomology.ca.uky.edu.
- Hitchhikers: Fleas often enter homes via pets after visits to kennels, groomers or contact with wildlife; they seldom jump directly from one pet to another entomology.ca.uky.edu.
- Reproduction: Adult fleas lay eggs that fall into carpets and furniture; larvae develop in the environment entomology.ca.uky.edu.
Prevention & Treatment
- Treat pets: Use veterinarian‑recommended flea treatments (oral or topical) and maintain year‑round prevention entomology.ca.uky.edu.
- Clean your home: Vacuum carpets, rugs and pet bedding regularly to remove eggs and larvae. Wash pet bedding in hot water.
- Address outdoor sources: Keep lawns mowed and remove brush piles and leaf litter where fleas and wildlife hide.
- Consult a professional: Severe infestations may require integrated treatments of both pets and premises under a veterinarian’s guidance entomology.ca.uky.edu.
- Vacuum thoroughly: Vacuum carpets, baseboards and upholstered furniture daily during an infestation. Dispose of vacuum bags immediately in an outdoor trash to prevent reinfestation. Vacuuming stimulates flea pupae to emerge and increases exposure to treatments entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu.
- Wash bedding: Launder pet bedding, throw rugs and slipcovers in hot water. Flea eggs and larvae often accumulate in these items entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu.
- Use integrated products: Veterinarian‑recommended oral or topical treatments often contain insect growth regulators that prevent eggs from hatching and larvae from developing entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu. Treat all pets in the household simultaneously and continue year‑round prevention to break the flea life cycle.
- Outdoor treatments: Treat shaded areas, crawl spaces and pet resting spots with products labeled for flea control. Keep grass cut short and allow sunlight to penetrate, as fleas prefer shady, moist environments.
Stopping fleas early prevents itchy bites and protects your family and pets. For comprehensive flea management in Louisville, call Rise Pest Pros.
