Does this sound familiar? You wake up with bite marks on your feet, ankles, and lower legs. You’re probably wondering if you have
bed bugs.
However, you could have fleas.
But do fleas bite? Yes. And so do bed bugs, but bed bugs commonly bite any areas of your body that come in contact with your bed. Fleas, however, bite lower on your legs. If you’re unsure, you should contact a professional pest control company in Sussex County, NJ, for a
pest inspection.
If you’re certain you have fleas, there are preventative measures you can take to keep these pests out of your house.
Fleas in the House? Skip the Furry Sleepovers
Although it’s tempting to call Fido up for snuggles, having pets sleep with you can increase your chances of having fleas in your bed. The same goes for pets on your couches. Since fleas can hitch a ride indoors via your pet, it’s best to keep them off the furniture.
Additionally, if you’re looking to prevent fleas from plaguing your pets and your home, talk to your veterinarian about flea and tick prevention.
Wash Your Bedding
Should you already have fleas in your bed, it’s important to wash all bedding in hot water and dry it on high, especially since
flea eggs can live in your bed for upwards of 10 days. Once they hatch, they look for someone or something to feast on, as they rely on fresh blood.
You can install a mattress protector to keep fleas — and bed bugs — out of your mattress, but it won’t stop them from hanging out in your sheets and bedding.
Clean Pet Bedding
If you want to get rid of fleas in the house, don’t forget to wash your pet’s bedding frequently. This can work to prevent any straggler fleas from turning into an infestation.
Considering that 10 fleas can turn into a
quarter million of these pests within a month, it’s important to take all preventative measures.
Vacuum Often
The next best way to keep fleas out of your house is by vacuuming frequently. If you already have fleas in your home, it’s best to empty your vacuum’s canister outside, away from your house.
You can also steam clean your carpets and rugs to remove a flea infestation.
Keep Your Yard Flea-Free
You can prevent fleas from coming inside by keeping them out of your yard. One of the best ways to do so is by mowing your lawn frequently. Additionally, always rake your yard, ensuring debris is kept far from your house.
If there are overgrown areas of your yard, clean them up to deter fleas from hiding and hitching a ride indoors.
But what repels fleas? Are there smells that fleas hate? Rosemary is one smell that fleas can’t stand, so you could always consider planting it in your garden.
How to Get Rid of Fleas in the House
If you have fleas in the house, you can follow the tips and tricks in this helpful guide, working to remove them. However, a larger infestation often requires the help of a professional pest removal service.
Serene Property Services can help. We offer various types of pest prevention plans, so
contact us today. We service all of Sussex County, NJ, and Warwick, NY, and offer a variety of residential pest control services.
