How To Get Rid Of Fleas In Your Home & Yard This Summer

Flea problems in South Carolina ramp up during the summer months. Have you noticed? If you're curious why this is the case, stick with us. We will dig into how fleas get into South Carolina homes, explain why flea problems are more common during the summer months, and, most importantly, tell you what you can do about these irritating pests. If you’d prefer to get right to the solution, contact Harris Pest Control for effective flea control in Florence, Myrtle Beach, and the Pee Dee and Grand Strand areas!

How do fleas get into my home?

Fleas are tiny, parasitic insects that live on warm-blooded animals. And we’re not just talking about pets. Wild animals can introduce fleas on your property. Moreover, mice and other rodents can even carry them inside – by the dozens. Of course, to really get established in homes and structures, some unique conditions are required.

• Host availability
  Pets like cats and dogs can provide a blood source, and unfortunately, so can humans.
• Warmth & humidity
  Fleas thrive in warm, humid environments.
• Ideal nesting sites
  Carpets, upholstered furniture, and pet beds are common flea-hiding and breeding sites.
• Lack of regular vacuuming and cleaning
  Infrequent vacuuming and cleaning allow flea eggs and larvae to remain undisturbed, leading to larger infestations.

Why fleas are worse in the summer

Fleas are cold-blooded animals that live on warm-blooded animals. When a flea is on an animal, it benefits from the animal's warmth, but a flea developing on the ground may not have access to the warmth of an animal. Since cold-blooded creatures don't generate warmth and can't maintain a body temperature, they are impacted by environmental warming and cooling.

During the summer, when it is warm, fleas are active, both on and off animal hosts. When fleas are active near your home, there is a greater chance that your dog or cat will pick them up while playing outdoors. There’s also a chance these pests will jump right through an open door.

How do I get rid of fleas in my home?

To effectively eliminate fleas and prevent their return, it is essential to consult a veterinarian about the best flea-preventative for your pet(s). Treating your home will only be effective once your pets are treated.

Once your pets are cared for, contact Harris Pest Control for an indoor flea treatment. Our team of pest control specialists uses conventional products designed specifically for these biting pests. These products are effective in killing adult fleas on contact and preventing immature insects and eggs from developing. Moreover, this service is backed by our 30-day interior flea control guarantee!

In addition to our interior flea control, we’ll treat your yard, focusing on grassy areas, bushes, plants, and other flea hotspots. This will eradicate flea activity and eliminate ticks, too!

How to optimize your flea control service

Once the fleas are gone, you'll want to keep it that way. In addition to vacuuming regularly and washing bedding routinely, here are a few quick tips to help you make your property less appealing to fleas and the pests that carry them across property lines or, worse, inside.

• Keep your grass trimmed to deter rodent activity.
• Remove branches, logs, leaves, and other organic debris near your home to remove animal harborage.
• Consider installing fencing material to keep animals from getting underneath your deck.
• Trim vegetation in your landscaping to open things up and reduce hiding places for animals.
• Remove birdfeeders, as seeds are an ideal food source for various animals.
• Clean trash receptacles, get your trash to the curb each week and keep your receptacles covered.
• Address moisture that is making your crawl space damp.
• Seal potential entry points rodents or wildlife may use to get inside.

If you’ve found flea dirt on your pet’s bedding, have noticed them scratching excessively, or have even found flea bites on you or your loved ones, contact Harris Pest Control right away for the best flea control in the region!