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Four Signs You Have A Flea Problem

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Fleas are a common household pest that can be commonly carried into your home by your pets but can then quickly spread to your clothes, bedding, and other soft surfaces. Fleas can also carry a number of diseases, which makes them a heath concern as well as a pest concern. The following are four signs that your home may have a flea problem, and if you notice one or any combination of them, you shouldn't hesitate to contact a pest control specialist as soon as possible.

Itching

The first sign of a flea infestation that will manifest itself is a constant urge to itch yourself, which is caused by the extremely small bites that they will leave on your skin. The bites themselves may be too small to notice as they happen, but the annoying and chronic itch is hard to miss. Keep an eye on your pet as well: abnormal amounts of scratching and licking can point to a flea problem in their fur.

Rashes

You should also keep an eye on your skin for signs of irritation – though not from constant scratching since that can happen normally or due to exposure to poison ivy or other substances. Instead, keep in mind that flea saliva can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals, which can manifest itself in a number of skin conditions like rashes and red patches that will linger for several days and may even begin to rapidly spread if you are still getting bitten regularly.

Missing Pet Hair

Fleas that have taken up residence on your pet will cause them to itch just as much as you would. However, due to the constant scratching, your pet's hair may begin to fall out, leaving behind bald spots on their body and torn out hair around your house. This is much harder to miss than a pet who is constantly scratching themselves.

Stains

Finally, you should also keep an eye out for extremely small dark brown stains around your home which fleas can leave behind as a sign of their fecal waste. These stains are extremely small, and may not be noticeable on all surfaces, so be sure to check your skin, your pet's fur, and any lightly colored fabrics in your home for signs of fecal staining. You should also keep an eye out for bloodstains left behind by bites: depending on your skin tone and the color of your pet's fur, these may be easier to spot. 

For more information, contact a business such as Alta Sierra Pest Control.


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