If you are thinking that you are having a flea infestation, it is crucial that you look for signs of their presence prior to getting any treatments. Identification plays one role in getting the right solution. However, it will take more time and effort for you to eradicate the pests completely.
Common Signs of a Flea Infestation
There are common signs that you should look for as you suspect a flea infestation. Some of these signs are the following:
1. Check your pets for fleas
It is most common for your pet dog or cat to have these pests and bring them inside your home. There are certain signs that will help you determine if your pet has fleas. Look for the following signs:
· Scratching
Though there are various skin conditions that may cause your pets to scratch, fleas can be among the common reasons. Many pets and even humans develop allergic reactions to flea bites. This is the main reason behind the redness and inflammation that develop on the affected areas.
When your pet has fleas, you will notice constant scratching on the head or neck. He may try to bite his hind legs because of the pest. Intense scratching may cause infections and requires immediate veterinary care.
· Reddened skin and loose hair spots
Hair loss and red and inflamed skin will most likely occur when fleas keep attacking. Skin redness and bald spots are commonly seen on the neck and back areas and also on their hindquarters.
· Visible adult fleas
Adults usually measure around 1 to 3 mm and have a flat and dark body. They don’t have wings. What they use to jump far are their six legs.
Despite not seeing adults, it doesn’t mean that you are not dealing with an infestation. There is a great chance that flea eggs, larvae, and pupae are there but are almost invisible to the eyes. These can be in your pet’s body or anywhere in your home without your knowledge.
· Flea dirt
As you check for fleas on your pet’s fur, bed, and other areas where he spends most of his time, look for white and black specks. These are flea feces that has digested blood.
If you find white specks, these can be the larvae. Once you spot these, you should start considering pest control options.
There is a simple way you can do to confirm if the powdery deposits are fecal matters from fleas. Get a paper towel or white socks, rub it on your pet’s fur, and spray some water or soapy water on it. If it turns reddish brown, then those are fecal matters from fleas.
· Low Energy
Fatigue is among the obvious signs that your pet has fleas. A serious level of infestation that lasts for a long time can cause anemia. When your pet starts showing lethargy, immediately seek the help of a veterinarian or check if your pet has fleas.
· Pale gums
Another sign of anemia due to fleas is when you notice that your pet’s gums are no longer as red or pinkish as it normally would. Due to the high amount of blood loss, it will affect the production of red blood cells resulting in anemia.
· Restlessness and change in behaviour
Constant scratching may keep your pet up all night. This may result in restlessness and irritable behaviour throughout the day. The lack of sleep will cause them to easily get agitated.
When you notice these things to your pet, it is only necessary that you immediately take action. Go get a flea comb and start brushing your pet to see if there are fleas in his body.
2. You start noticing bites on your body
Aside from your pets, there is a great chance that fleas will also feed on your blood. These bites will usually appear on your ankles. You may also notice the bites in the morning.
Oftentimes, fleas are also attracted to humans aside from animals. However, you must take note that you don’t have an infestation if a person gets bitten and another person doesn’t.
Make sure that you know how to differentiate flea, tick, and other blood-sucking insects. This will easily confirm an infestation and get the right solution or treatment. It will also help in having a successful result after treatment or usage of any products.
