Why Tampa, Florida Pets Still Need Pest Protection

If you have a dog or a cat, you know that fleas can be a threat to your furry family member. But are you aware that fleas are a year-round problem in Tampa? Let's take a look at five reasons you should protect your pets all year long and some prevention tips from the experts here at Outsmart pest Management.

Five Reasons Tampa Fleas Are Still A Problem

Fleas are a problem for homeowners in Tampa all year long. Here are five reasons why these parasitic pests continuously cause problems: 

1. Fleas will search for shelter during colder months. The weather in Tampa does not get below freezing, and while freezing temperatures can kill fleas, those fleas usually find a safe place to be.
2. Adult fleas live on warm-blooded animals. One of the safe places fleas live is in the fur of warm blooded-animals. Since these animals must stay warm, they protect the fleas and prevent them from freezing. Cold temperatures can also drive warm-blooded animals into your Tampa home. This can happen any time of the year.
3. Flea eggs often drop in protected areas. As mice and rats explore your exterior, they prefer to be in hiding places, such as under a deck or patio. When the flea eggs fall off of them, they land in these shielded areas where they are protected from the wind chill factor. On a winter day, when temperatures are right, they can hatch from their cocoons and hop onto rodents or your pets and hitch a ride inside.
4. Fleas can complete their entire life cycle indoors. When mice, rats, squirrels, dogs, cats, or some other animals, bring fleas into your home, they can live indefinitely. Sometimes they establish themselves in secluded places rather than in your common areas, where you are sure to do something about them. But, every once in a while, an infestation will happen. You'll think it came in from the outside, but it may already be in your home. So a flea infestation can happen in the middle of winter.
5. Fleas can transmit diseases all year long, and the diseases they spread can impact dogs, cats, and humans. Murine typhus, tungiasis, tularemia, tapeworm, flea allergy dermatitis, and bartonellosis are all common illnesses caused by fleas. But the worst threat, by far, is the threat of plague. Yes, the plague is still a thing. Your chances of surviving the plague with today's modern medical assistance is high, but the disease is still very unpleasant.

Tips For Flea Protection

When it comes to fleas, the best offense is a good defense. Here are some tips to protect your property and your pets from developing a flea problem. 

• Keep wildlife traffic to a minimum in your yard.
• Prevent wildlife from getting into areas of harborage, such as under your stairs, deck, patio, or inside your home.
• Make sure your pets have veterinarian-prescribed flea and tick collars.
• At the first sign of fleas, wash your pet's bedding and vacuum all your rugs. Dispose of the bag outside. This can arrest an isolated infestation.
• Address mice or rat infestations as quickly as possible. These two rodents are notorious for bringing fleas and ticks into homes. 

Despite your best efforts to avoid fleas, you still may find yourself dealing with a flea infestation. In the end, DIY methods can be hazardous to yourself and your pets. To keep everyone safe and your home flea-free, reach out to the experts at Florida Pest Control Inc.

What Do I Do If I Have A Flea Infestation?

When fleas appear, many pet owners turn to natural remedies because they love their pets and don't want to expose them to harmful chemicals. Unfortunately, natural remedies aren't tough enough on fleas. You're likely to waste a lot of time, energy, and money without much success. The only effective solution for a flea infestation is the use of EPA-approved, residual pest control products. These are best selected and applied by a licensed pest control professional. This is where we can help. 

If you live in the Tampa area, reach out to Outsmart pest Management We'll help you get rid of those fleas without causing any harm to your family or your pets. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can keep your home free of unwanted pests all year long.