Do you think you have a flea problem?

Fleas are small, red-brown insects. They are parasites that feed from bird and mammal blood. They usually feed on the blood of animals, but they can also feed on human blood. Whilst, have no wings, they have a flat body and powerful legs, meaning they can leap long distances. They get about by jumping from one person or animal to another.

Your home can become infested with fleas from a pet that brings these parasites into your home. Fleas are very small and easily hidden, so you may not be aware of their presence until an infestation has happened. They have tough, armoured bodies that makes pretty indestructible, letting them hang out for long periods undetected in carpets.

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Although individual fleas can be difficult to notice, once an infestation is underway, you might see some fleas jumping into your furniture or curtains. You also may notice your pet is scratching more than usual. You can also get fleabites if fleas jump from your pet and onto your body. For help getting rid of a flea problem, contact Essex Pest Control at a site like https://stgeorgespestcontrol.co.uk/

What causes a flea Infestation?

Fleas can jump into your pet’s fur from other pets or from infected faeces or grass outside. When fleas reproduce, more fleas can infest your home. They lurk in places like carpets, bedding, furniture, and cracks in the floor. Fleas also cling to a pet’s belly, so that they can be easily transferred to your carpet when your pet is lying down.

Fleas thrive in warm, humid places meaning infestations are normally more prevalent during the summer.

What are the signs of flea infestation?

see fleas jumping on your curtains, rugs, or furniture

see some dot-like insects in your pet’s fur

see your pet scratching, licking or biting their fur excessive

Your pet can get sore from areas of infested fur. They can also suffer from side effects of blood loss, which can show up initially with pale gums.

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How do I know if I have been bitten by a flea?

Fleas can jump onto you from biting your pet and your child to feed on your blood. When one bites you, your body releases a chemical called “histamine” as a reaction to the saliva of fleas. Histamine causes red, itchy bumps to form on the site of the bite. If you scratch, the bump can get bigger, and the itching will often deteriorate.

Unlike mosquitoes, fleabites in humans are usually located in the feet and lower legs. The bites are marked with red spots surrounded by a circle of red light. Additional symptoms of fleabites may include:

itchiness

rash

swelling around the bite

Symptoms begin as soon as you are bitten. No tests are needed to confirm a fleabite, because they can usually be diagnosed by physical examination. However, you may need to take your pet to the vet to be checked and treated for fleas.