If you’re itching to rid your home of fleas, you may want to heed some expert advice. The first thing you should know is that it’s important to act fast. Infestations pop up quickly and can be very difficult to control once inside the home, says the National Pest Management Association.

“Fleas are known for their quick breeding capabilities and a handful can quickly turn into hundreds if left unchecked,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “Their small size and mobility make it impossible to find them on surfaces such as carpets and linens, but a pest professional can help to eradicate an infestation.”

Fleas feed on warm-blooded hosts, including humans. Known for leaving itchy, red bumps, these parasites are also known for transporting themselves on rodents and other mammals by using their powerful legs to jump as high as 8 inches vertically and 16 inches horizontally.

It’s not healthy to live in a house with fleas; these pests have been known to transmit fatal diseases like the bubonic plague and the bacterial disease, murine typhus. However, it is more common for pets and people alike to suffer an allergic reaction to flea saliva, which can cause painful, itchy bumps on the skin.

Here are some flea-fighting tips from the National Pest Management Association:

• Keep your lawn groomed. Untended lawns provide hiding spots and food sources for rodents and other animals that fleas feed on.
• Fleas can hitch rides on rodents. If you notice a rodent problem on your property, fleas are just one more reason to call a pest professional immediately to remedy the problem.
• Check pets frequently for fleas and flea dirt, especially after being outside.  Be aware of excessive scratching, licking and nibbling grooming behavior in pets.
• Bathe and groom your pets regularly and use flea treatments as recommended by your veterinarian.
• Clean and vacuum your home frequently to help remove fleas.
• Getting rid of adult fleas alone will not solve your problem.
• If you suspect a flea infestation, contact a licensed pest professional immediately to treat the pest problem.

If you find adult fleas, then there may also be hundreds of eggs in your home. These eggs can take seven to 14 days to hatch and the infestation cycle will continue. Turner Pest Control can rid your home of both adult fleas and larvae. Our standard flea treatment includes two services. If you are having a problem with fleas, contact Turner Pest Control to learn more.