Yes, you do. Fleas and ticks are a universal problem. While
some areas of the country are more susceptible to fleas
year-round due to the overall heat and humidity index, no one
area, state, or region is completely free from flea
infestation.
Ticks thrive in heavily wooded
areas. This is due to the fact that ticks require a certain
amount of moisture in the air in order to undergo
metamorphosis. Wooded areas and forests provide this type of
climate in droves, creating areas where ticks can develop at a
more consistent and continual pace. When ticks are faced with
cold and dry temperatures, their lifespan halts because low
temperatures inhibit their
development from egg to larva.
Regional Breakdown
Fleas, like ticks, also thrive in hot
and humid climates. This is particularly true during the
spring and summer seasons, no matter where you live. If you
reside in a southern state such as Florida or Georgia where
humidity levels are high all year, your pet is even more
susceptible to flea problems and should be given preventative
treatment each month. In drier climates, such as Colorado or in
states with harsh winter climates such as Wisconsin, fleas are
the biggest problem in the spring and summer when the ecosystem
is shifting seasons.
Regional climates aside, it is the harsh reality that your pet
can suffer from flea and tick bites year-round. No matter where
you live, fleas are still easily passed between animals and
even though the carpet and furniture in our homes. Donโt let
the possibility of a blood-thirsty insect invasion catch you
off guard. Follow veterinarian recommendations and administer
your pet with flea and tick
prevention year-round to avoid even the possibility of a
bug bite. Prevention methods are varied and vast, so finding a
product that fits your petโs lifestyle is simple. Taking proper
measures to keep your dog pest-free will not only save them
from future discomfort but will save you the inevitable time,
money, and energy it takes to address and solve a flea or tick
infestation in your home, no matter where that home might be.
Can Humans Get Fleas?
Can humans get fleas? At the end of the day, fleas are blood-sucking insects and
humans are warm-blooded mammals, just like your dog or cat.
Therefore, we are targets. Fleas cause more problems for our
pets than for us, but we can still fall victim to their biting
ways.
The reason fleas are not a more common problem for humans is
due to our lack of body hair. Fleas thrive in dark, moist, and
warm environments like our petsโ fur. This also makes these
pests difficult to spot on our pets, while on humans, they
would be more easily noticeable.
How Can Humans Get Fleas?
Human flea bites do happen and nine times out of ten it is due
to our pets being infected. When your dog or cat is the target
of a flea infestation, they are essentially acting as a
carrier. Not only do you need to battle the live fleas, but you
need to protect your home from future pest problems in the form
of larvae and unhatched
eggs. Similar to pet fur, flea larvae and eggs are often
found buried in thick carpeting and furniture, as it is most
like their natural habitat.
However, unlike pets, humans do not need, nor can they take
tick and flea
prevention medication. We repeat, do not use pet prevention products on
yourself or your family members. The best way to prevent
flea bites to yourself is to protect your pet year-round. This
will ensure your dog and home remain flea-free.
What Fleas Can Humans Get?
At least three types of fleas commonly bite humans: canine
fleas, feline fleas, and human fleas. If you start to develop
or notice small red bumps or a localized itchy rash, one of
these types of fleas may be biting you.
Thankfully, treatment for all types of flea bites is universal
and fairly straightforward. Simply wash the affected area
gently with antiseptic soap. This will prevent any infections
from developing. It will also reduce the โitch-factor,โ which
is the top complaint among humans with flea bites. To soothe
your skin post bathing, simply apply ice or over-the-counter
anti-itch creams, including hydrocortisone, aloe, and calamine
lotions. From there, the healing process will begin. Do not
scratch! It will only slow your recovery and make your flea
bites more susceptible to infection.
Flea-borne Diseases Can Affect Humans
Fleas are more than just a surface nuisance. Most people are
not aware of the fact that fleas can spread nasty diseases to
both pets and humans. They can cause serious illnesses in
humans, including but not limited to murine typhus and
mycoplasma haemofelis. Some flea-borne pet diseases such as
cat-scratch disease can even be passed on to humans by their
pets. Thus ignoring a flea infestation can not only compromise
your petโs health but also jeopardize the health of you and
your family members.
More Flea and Tick Control Advice
This information is for informational purposes only and
is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or
diagnosis, or treatment by, your veterinarian. Always seek the
advice of your veterinarian or other qualified professionals
with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Never disregard or delay seeking professional advice due to
what you may have read on our website.