Flea Identification & Prevention

Understanding Fleas: What You Need to Know

Fleas are pests that pet owners are well acquainted with because cats and dogs are some of their favorite hosts. Rodents and wild animals are also commonly infested with fleas, and though we aren't their preferred hosts, fleas can and will feed on people if necessary.

Fleas are ectoparasites whose sole food source is the blood of warm-blooded animals. They have a body flattened from side to side, which helps them to move through the fur of their animal hosts. They are also known for their large back legs that enable them to jump to great heights and their piercing mouthparts they use to bite through the skin of their hosts to feed on their blood.

The Dangers of Fleas: Health Risks to Your Family

Fleas live outside in large numbers, and when they move into our homes, these biting pests are not only annoying to deal with but create health risks for your family and pets.

When fleas bite us and feed on our blood, they can spread pathogens that cause illnesses and parasites like tapeworms. Flea bites are itchy and excessive scratching at the bite sites can lead to secondary infections, scabbing, and scarring in people and animals.

Identifying the Source: Why You Have a Flea Problem

Though fleas are associated with pet owners, any home, whether pets are present or not, can become overrun by these tiny insects. When it comes to fleas finding their way into our Texas yards, wild animals are largely to blame. As rodents and wild animals move in and out of our outdoor spaces, they leave the unwanted gift of fleas for you and your family to deal with. Once fleas are introduced onto your property, if conditions (a warm, humid environment) are right, their populations can explode and get out of hand very quickly.

Common Hiding Spots: Where to Find Fleas

Fleas spend most of their short lives (one to three months) on the backs of their animal hosts.

If they are not on an animal host, fleas hang out in damp, dark areas. The soil under leaf piles, woodpiles, decks, and mulch are prime spots for flea infestations to develop in our Texas yards. Fleas also gravitate to areas with tall grass, weeds, and dense landscaping. If your family and pets spend a lot of time outdoors, coming into contact with fleas isn't a matter of if, but when.

In our homes, fleas gather in darker, more humid areas like under the cushions of upholstered furniture, within bedding, under rugs, and behind baseboards.

Effective Solutions: How to Get Rid of Fleas

Partner with us at Gold Star Exterminators to solve your property's flea problems the easy way. Since 1979 our customers have been trusting us to solve their pest problems. We can help keep your yard free of blood-feeding, biting fleas. Our professionals are committed to our customers and deliver prompt pest control services that are reasonably priced. We provide both interior and exterior flea control services for New Braunfels properties to eliminate these unwanted pests. To learn more about our effective flea control services, give Gold Star Exterminators a call today!

Future Prevention: Tips to Stop Fleas from Returning

Take advantage of the following tips to help stop fleas from taking over your New Braunfels home:

• Make sure pets are up-to-date on their flea prevention treatments. 
• Regularly vacuum your rugs and upholstered furniture to pick up stray fleas.
• Inspect your clothing and your pets for fleas before coming inside after spending time outdoors.
• Do not place bird feeders or other types of wildlife feeders on your property. 
• Don't overplant shrubs and other landscaping right next to your home's exterior walls. 
• Seal holes in your home's exterior to keep rodents from introducing themselves and the fleas they carry into your home.