Fleas in the house: How to get rid of parasites infesting pets and protect your home?
Fleas – small but dangerous. How to recognize, eliminate, and prevent their presence in the house?
Why are fleas dangerous?
Fleas are not just an aesthetic problem or a source of discomfort for pets. These tiny parasites can cause serious health issues, including:
- Allergic Flea Dermatitis (AFD):
Just one bite is enough to cause intense itching, skin irritation, and even hair loss in pets. This allergic reaction can result in ongoing discomfort and even secondary infections due to excessive scratching. - Disease Transmission:
Fleas can transmit various diseases, including Bartonellosis (commonly known as “cat scratch fever”) and canine tapeworm, which can also infect humans. - Weakening of the Immune System:
Heavy flea infestations can lead to anemia, especially in young kittens or puppies. The constant blood loss from flea bites can significantly weaken the animal’s health, making it more susceptible to other illnesses.
For these reasons, ignoring the presence of fleas in your environment is a surefire way to create health problems for both pets and household members. Early detection and treatment are key to keeping everyone safe and comfortable.
Fleas in the house – How to detect their presence?
The first sign that fleas have appeared in your home is your pet scratching intensely. However, this is not the only sign. Here are a few things to pay attention to:
- Small, black specks: If you comb your pet’s fur and find small black specks resembling pepper, they may be flea feces.
- Bites: Itchy, red spots on your pet’s skin, particularly on the belly, around the neck, or behind the ears.
- Jumping small insects: Fleas, though hard to spot, can sometimes be seen jumping from surface to surface.
Some fleas may bite humans before attacking the pet, leaving itchy marks on the skin. These parasites do not feed on humans but occasional bites may occur if there are no other hosts nearby.
How to effectively get rid of fleas?
Fighting fleas requires action on two fronts: treating the animal and addressing its environment.
1. Treating the animal:
Use the appropriate products available on the market, such as cleansing bath treatments like Ectopet Clean&Care or tablets. Consult with a veterinarian to choose the most effective and safest product for your pet.
2. Securing the Environment:
Spray the pet’s bedding, carpets, and other areas where the animal spends time with a product designed for environmental use, such as Ectopet Spray, which immobilizes parasites thanks to the innovative Ecto Net technology.
Additionally, you may want to wash blankets, cushions, and covers that the pet comes into contact with, as fleas and eggs can be present, using Ectopet Wash laundry treatment.
Remember to regularly vacuum your home or pet’s kennel, and make sure to empty the vacuum bag or container outside the house after each cleaning.
Flea infestation prevention – best practices
The best way to combat fleas is by preventing their presence. Here are some tips worth implementing:
- Regularly Use Preventive Products: Apply flea prevention treatments to your pets, such as flea collars or spot-on drops.
- Maintain cleanliness in your pet’s environment – wash bedding, blankets, and covers at least once a month.
- Check your pet after walks: Especially during the spring and summer months, inspect your pet’s fur for fleas, particularly if they have contact with other animals.
- Apply flea protective treatments in places where your pet spends time to minimize the risk of parasite growth in your home.
An Effective product is the key to household comfort.
Fleas are a problem that can affect any pet owner. With proper prevention, quick action, and effective products like Ectopet Spray, you can effectively protect your home and pet from these bothersome parasites. Remember, maintaining cleanliness and the health of your pet’s environment is key to ensuring the comfort of all household members.