Flea activity in Orlando fluctuates throughout the year, and can be particularly challenging for pet owners and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
What steps can you take to protect your home and pets during this peak season? Keep reading to find out solutions to keep those pesky invaders at bay.
Key Takeaways
- Flea activity in Orlando peaks from late spring through early fall when warm temperatures and high humidity create ideal conditions for their life cycle.
- Common signs of a flea infestation include itchy red bumps, flea dirt, and behavioral changes in pets, such as excessive scratching and restlessness.
- To combat a flea infestation, inspect pets regularly, use over-the-counter treatments, vacuum thoroughly, and consult a vet or pest control if needed.
- You can prevent fleas by grooming pets regularly, using topical treatments, vacuuming often, and washing pet bedding in hot water.
When Are Fleas Most Active in Orlando?
Flea activity in Orlando varies throughout the year. But flea season usually peaks during the warmer months when temperatures remain steady and humidity levels are high.
These conditions usually persist from late spring through early fall. They provide the perfect environment for fleas to flourish. As a result, they can complete their life stages swiftly, causing their populations to grow.
During the colder months, activity significantly decreases, but it doesn’t disappear entirely. Florida’s mild winter months allow these pests to survive, though their reproduction and life cycle slow down during this period.
How to Know if Your Home Has Fleas
Florida fleas can cause health issues in humans and pets, such as bites, tapeworms, and allergic reactions. So, knowing how to spot fleas in your Orlando home and on your pets is crucial.
Here are some signs to look for to determine if you have a flea problem.
- Check for Flea Bites: Flea bites often appear as small, itchy, red bumps. They usually appear on the legs and ankles in humans. Pets may have clusters of these bites, mainly around their neck, belly, and thighs.
- Look for Flea Dirt: To check, run a fine-toothed comb through your pet’s fur, especially near the base of the tail. Place the combings on a damp paper towel; if the specks turn reddish-brown, it’s flea dirt.
- Inspect for Adult Fleas: Adult fleas are small, reddish-brown, and move quickly. You might see them jumping on your pet or inside your home. Using a flea comb, thoroughly check your pet’s fur.
- Spot Signs of Flea Allergy Dermatitis: Some pets develop flea allergy dermatitis, an allergic reaction to flea saliva that causes severe itching, redness, and hair loss.
- Find Flea Eggs and Larvae: Flea eggs are tiny and white and can be hard to see. They often fall off the pet onto bedding, carpets, and furniture. Use a flashlight to check these areas for flea eggs and larvae.
- Notice Behavioral Changes in Pets: Look for changes like restlessness and continuous scratching. Pets may act unusually unsettled and appear uncomfortable, indicating flea infestations.
What to Do if You Suspect a Flea Infestation
Prompt action is crucial when fleas are suspected. As Orlando homeowners, here’s what to do to get rid of fleas during their season:
- Inspect Pets and Home: Check pets for signs of any stage in the flea life cycle. Look for excessive scratching, red bumps, or flea dirt.
- Use Over-the-Counter Flea Treatments: Apply OTC flea treatments on pets. Options include flea collars, shampoos, and topical solutions.
- Vacuum Thoroughly: Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery daily. Dispose of vacuum bags immediately to prevent flea re-infestation.
- Wash Pet Bedding: Clean all pet bedding in hot water. This helps kill fleas and eggs. Dry on the highest heat setting.
- Flea Control Products: Consider using flea control products like sprays or powders. Follow instructions carefully and keep pets away during application.
- Flea Medications: Consult a vet for prescription flea medications. These usually offer more powerful and long-lasting protection.
- Anemia in Pets: In severe infestations, fleas can cause anemia in smaller or younger animals. If your pet appears lethargic, contact your vet immediately.
- Call Pest Control: If the infestation persists, pest control professionals may be necessary. They can offer more effective treatments for severe infestations.
How to Protect Your Home and Pets During Flea Season
Fleas can be a problem year-round in Orlando, so it’s crucial to implement various strategies to prevent their return. Here are preventive measures to protect your home and pets from these pesky parasites.
For Your Pets
Regular grooming and bathing are essential in flea prevention. Use a flea comb to check for adult fleas, larvae, and eggs. Topical treatments like spot-on solutions and flea collars can help keep fleas at bay. Also, discuss tick prevention treatments with your vet, especially during the tick season, as they go hand in hand.
Your vet may recommend oral medications that kill female fleas before they lay eggs. Monthly preventive pills are another solid choice. Regular vet checkups can also help identify tick bites that could spread Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
For Your Home
Vacuum frequently, paying attention to carpets, pet beds, and upholstered furniture. Flea larvae and pupae in cocoons can hide in these areas. Wash pet bedding in hot water weekly to kill any cat fleas or eggs that may be lingering.
Treat your yard to reduce flea exposure. Cut back tall grass and keep leaves and debris clear from wooded areas. These habitats can house fleas and ticks. Outdoor treatments can be applied to reduce flea populations, but make sure they are pet-safe.
When To Call A Flea Expert in Orlando
If you notice your pets scratching more than usual, that’s a sign. Constant itching could mean fleas have made a home in your pet’s fur.
Keeping a close eye on these indicators can help you know when to contact pest control professionals and ensure your home remains flea-free. As experts, we have specialized tools and treatments to ensure thorough flea removal.