As small as they are, fleas have got to be one of the most annoying pests on the planet. The bad news is they are not just a problem for pet owners. Fleas will seek shelter anywhere there is warmth so dogs and cats are highly vulnerable due to their fur. Rodents such as mice, rats, opossums, squirrels, and raccoons have also been known to spread infestations. Just when you thought it could not get any worse ousting those pesky squirrels from your attic, you now have to deal with micro-size bugs. In these cases, you truly are talking about double trouble!
Knowing how to properly differentiate these animals from bed bugs and other similar culprits can be a challenge. Heed this advice from your trusted Atlanta pest control specialists, and keep your home protected from the onslaught of bite-sized, biting bugs!
Fighting Off Fleas
As much as you may be tempted to stock up on commercial pest control products, you have to first be sure that the pest in question is, in fact, a flea. Although many household bombing chemicals are intended to oust various species, fleas require specialty extermination equipment, at least if you want to guarantee the complete removal of the infestation.
Fleas are very small, reaching approximately .1 inches in length when fully grown. Their bodies range in color from dark brown to black, and they are by far the animal kingdom's best jumpers. Most can leap up to four feet in a single bound, and this is why it does not take long at all for infestations to get out of control.
Armed with a flat body, fleas are also incredibly resilient. If you have pets, check their fur thoroughly. You will likely see the fleas scurrying about as well as eggs and larvae nestled in their skin. The latter are dirty-white in color and can be up to twice the size of their mature brothers and sisters. Wash your pet with a combination of warm soapy water and vinegar or a touch of lemon citrus. Fleas hate the smell of these chemicals and are naturally repelled by them.
Wash all of your laundry and bedding in hot water, then proceed to seal it off in garbage bags for at least 12 hours while you clean your home. Apply borax or diatomaceous earth to your furniture and carpeting and vacuum extensively. Repeat this process every day until the infestation is gone. In the event that these attempts fail to thwart the threat, give our Atlanta pest control experts a call! Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
