Flea Control is not Just for the Dogs and Cats

The same fleas that bite your pets will also bite you, leaving a red, itchy spot and you seeking relief. Controlling and eliminating fleas from your home is the best way to avoid these bites. Here are a few tips to rid your home of a flea infestation:

• If you see fleas where pets sleep, remove and wash pet bedding in hot soapy water or replace the bedding.
• Thoroughly vacuum all rugs, carpeted areas, baseboard areas and closet floors. Also vacuum under beds, furniture, as well as between and under furniture cushions. Special attention should be given to pet resting and sleeping areas. Vacuuming removes flea eggs, feces (food for the larvae) and some adult fleas.
• Vacuum and then mop all vinyl, wood and concrete floors. Special attention should be given to cracks along the edge of walls.
• Be sure to discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a plastic bag that can be tightly closed and place in a trash receptacle outside of the home.

Flea bites can be very itchy, and scratching can break the skin and lead to infection. Fleas can also transmit cat-scratch fever, typhus and plague. If you have pets that may harbor fleas, protect your pet with a veterinarian approved flea protection; this will reduce the risk to your pet and family.  If you suspect you have a flea infestation in your home or want to protect yourself from potential attacks, call a professional service for proper flea control methods and abatement programs.