Will Fleas Go Away on Their Own in Kansas City?

Fleas on your pet’s fur can end up on the couch cushion. They can be a nightmare for pet owners in Kansas City. Dogs and cats usually bring these jumping critters into their owners’ homes.  Sadly, they are not quick to leave once they find a cozy spot inside your house. That is why you might need to work with pest control professionals when your flea issues have gone out of control. You can find these experts at saelapest.com .Here’s why fleas stick around and what you need to know to stop them:

Fleas Are Survivors

Fleas may be small, but they are tough. They will settle in and start feeding on blood once they find a host. Also, they lay eggs, which fall off into carpets, furniture, bedding, and cracks in the floor. Each adult flea can lay around 20–50 eggs a day. This means one or two fleas can quickly turn into hundreds in just a few weeks.

Flea eggs do not hatch right away. They can sit around in your home for days or weeks, waiting for the right conditions. You will have a fresh wave of flea problems to deal with once they hatch.

What Happens If You Do Not Take Action?

Ignoring a feast problem will only worsen it. Fleas can live for months, reproducing the entire time. So the problem might still be ongoing even if the scratching has stopped or you have not seen any fleas for a few days. Not taking action against fleas means:

  • More bites. Fleas will continue feeding, especially if they do not have access to pets.
  • Eggs and larvae spread. Fleas will get into carpets, rugs, bedding, and furniture.
  • Pets can get sick. Fleas can cause allergic reactions, tapeworms, or anemia in dogs and cats.
  • You might get bitten, too. Fleas will bite people when pets are not around.

Kansas City’s Climate Helps Fleas Thrive

Kansas City has warm summers and fairly mild winters, which is great for flea populations. Fleas are most active in the warmer months, but they can survive indoors all year long.

Your home provides everything they need to stay comfortable such as warmth, food, and hiding spots. Indoor flea infestations can continue for months without proper treatment even if outdoor temperatures drop.

Signs You Have a Flea Problem

Sometimes, fleas are hard to spot, especially early on. Here are some common signs to watch for:

  • Excessive scratching. Your pets might be constantly biting or licking themselves a lot if they have fleas on their fur. 
  • Tiny dark specks. Flea dirt looks like black pepper. You might see it on pet bedding or fur.
  • Small, red bites. Flea bites usually appear around your ankles, legs, or waistline.
  • Seeing fleas. Adult fleas are about the size of a sesame seed and move quickly through 

How to Get Rid of Fleas

Getting rid of fleas takes more than just a flea collar or one bath. You need to treat your pet, your home, and your yard at the same time. Here’s a simple step-by-step approach:

  • Treat your pets. Use a vet-approved flea treatment. You can find topical solutions, oral medications, and flea shampoos. Talk to your vet to choose the best one for your pet.
  • Clean your home thoroughly. You should vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture daily for at least a week. Be sure to empty the vacuum bag outside each time. Pet bedding and blankets must be washed in hot water. Consider using a flea spray or fogger for hard-to-reach places.
  • Treat your yard. Your yard may also be part of the problem if your pets go outside. Fleas like shady, moist areas. Keep your grass trimmed and remove piles of leaves or brush. You can also use outdoor flea treatments, but make sure they are safe for pets.
  • Repeat as needed. Fleas have a life cycle that includes eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. You may need to treat your home and pets more than once to fully break the cycle.

By Shah