Why Do I Get Flea Bites?

Do you have pets?

Are your pets constantly scratching?

Can’t stop itching the spot where they’ve nipped you?

Fleas are so annoying making pets itch non-stop and if you’ve experienced being bitten, you know exactly how they feel.

You can be bitten without owning pets by simply sitting on a park bench and a flea jumping onto your leg, particularly ankles, for example, but fleas desired res-des location ideally is living on your household pets.

They may jump onto your clothing when you’re out and about, hitching a ride home with you, jumping off and taking up residence on your pet.

Fleas can’t bite through clothing, so when wearing long sleeves, trousers and closed shoes there’s less likely hood of them biting you. During winter, pets may suffer less in your household but when the weather starts becoming warmer, sunny Spring days, fleas may be back with vengeance.

Fleas are parasites feeding on other animals, living on their bodies, hidden away in their coats, and when hungry will feed off humans. A flea can live from 14 days to one year and females reproduce up to 50 eggs a day.

The bites are small, raised dark reddish spots and those allergic to fleas’ saliva will find skin becomes swollen and extremely itchy. Scratching the bite actually makes the bacteria get in and may cause infections. Infected fleas may be able to pass on disease or parasites such as tapeworms. Action is needed and spring cleaning around the home is a great way to be rid of any nasty unwanted residents.

Pet Treatments Available

The pet market has a host of differing treatments available. Vets advise using ‘spot on’ products, regularly applying products and to also take the opportunity to worm your dog and cat.

Cat flea collars are less recommended because they can cause skin problems with constant wearing.

More importantly is the growing flea treatments available by companies offering dedicated monthly subscription services with treatments tailored for your pet. This can be an invaluable way to remember every month to regularly flea your pet with their boxes dropping through your letterbox. Try Itchpet.com who offer a range of home treatment subscription services.

Most supermarkets and pet shops offer a range of products to suit your pet pocket. It’s important not to mix products between cats and dogs where they are not designed to be used for that pet.

Spring Cleaning

Fleas will fall around the home from your pet’s coat anytime, but more so after treatment when they are dead. You may find living fleas disguised, hiding in a rug or on wooden flooring that will need sweeping up quickly and disposing off outside.

Regularly cleaning – not just in springtime – is essential.

Hoover up around the home several times in the first 24-48 hours after applying treatment as you will find the dead fleas are dropping off your pets’ coats, and regularly hoover after that.

Clean the floors, skirtings and surfaces that your pet frequents. Clean soft surfaces such as settees, curtains, cushions where they may be living.

A good high-temperature wash of their beds and blankets is highly recommended to kill off any remaining parasites still alive and lurking.

If your home is not cleaned and protected then your pet will not become flea-free.