Fleas were once famous for spreading the Black Death in medieval times, though thanks to modern medicine and antibiotics, a case of the plague is no longer a death sentence. Though with regular flea infestations across the year, many pet owners still ask if fleas can spread disease. In this blog, we’ll go over the risks associated with flea bites, and when you need to call in a flea exterminator.

Do Fleas Spread Disease?

Fleas can spread dangerous bacteria such as plague, typhus, spotted fever, cat scratch fever and tularemia when they bite. Because they’re bacteria-based, they can be treated with an appropriate antibiotics course and modern medicine. Fleas can also spread parasites like tapeworms through ingestion of infected flea dirt, or flea eggs.

Is There a Significant Health Risk From Fleas?

Many of these diseases, especially the infamous plague, are now very uncommon. If you live-pet free, keep a clean home, and don’t work with animals, your chances of catching something from a flea are almost nil. 


In fact, one of the big reasons our pest control Cardiff company is called out to properties with flea infestations, it’s because of the bites. They’re itchy, distressing, and many people are allergic to them.


This doesn’t completely dismiss the risks fleas can pose. Flea-bourne diseases are primarily a risk for homes or businesses with lots of animals and poor hygiene. The more the insects are allowed to thrive and multiply, the higher your health risks.

How To Get Rid Of Fleas In The Home?

You don’t need to immediately call in the flea exterminators when you find signs of fleas. With good hygiene and a preventative pest control regime, you significantly reduce any risk of a flea infestation.


Ask your vet for an appropriate topical flea treatment to give your pets monthly. This is one of the best preventative treatments that will ensure your pets and house are flea-free.


But fleas don’t live exclusively on pets, they will live in soft fibres like clothes and carpeting. Your preventative flea pest control regime should include vacuuming all carpets, rugs, and washing clothes and pet bedding regularly. 


It’s important to do this regularly to fully disrupt the flea lifecycle. Pet flea treatments will kill adults, but eggs and larvae can survive. If you stop your flea pest control regime too soon, any surviving larvae will mature and restart the infestation.

When Should You Call in the Flea Exterminator?

If your DIY regime fails, if you’re having difficulty maintaining it, or if you’re being bitten several times a day – it's time to call in the flea pest control experts. We have deep-treatment products that can kill fleas at all stages in their life cycle. The infestation can be quelled from the outset, with follow-up visits to ensure the lifecycle has been fully broken.


Our pest control in Cardiff is occasionally called out for flea exterminations in the local area, and we often see infestations controlled within 2 visits, unless it's severe. Ready to treat your house and protect it against fleas? Just give us a call.

 
 
 

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