How Dangerous are Fleas?

Vergo Pest Management can help with your flea control solutions

Are Fleas Dangerous or Just a Pest?

Fleas are often considered more of an annoyance than a real danger. However, while their itchy bites can be irritating, fleas can pose more significant health risks to both pets and humans. Understanding these dangers can help homeowners and business owners alike take appropriate precautions to protect themselves and their furry companions.

Flea Allergic Dermatitis (FAD)

One of the most common issues caused by fleas is Flea Allergic Dermatitis (FAD). A flea’s saliva is highly allergenic, and pets—particularly cats and dogs—can develop an allergic reaction when bitten. This leads to intense itching, scratching, and inflammation, which can result in hair loss, skin infections, and a great deal of discomfort for your pet. For animals with a severe allergy, even a single flea bite can trigger this reaction.

Fleas and Anemia

In some cases, a flea infestation can become so severe that it leads to anemia in young or small pets, such as puppies or kittens. Fleas feed on blood, and if an animal becomes heavily infested, the loss of blood can cause lethargy, weakness, and in extreme cases, death. While this is rare, it’s crucial to ensure that any flea infestation is handled promptly to prevent such outcomes.

Do you have a problem with fleas?

If so, then contact us today and arrange a visit from one of our expert pest control technicians.

Can Fleas Transmit Diseases?

While fleas are more commonly associated with itching and irritation, they can also serve as vectors for disease. Fleas are known to transmit several pathogens, including:

  • Tapeworms: Pets can contract tapeworms if they ingest an infected flea while grooming. These parasites live in the digestive tract and can cause weight loss, lethargy, and digestive issues.
  • Flea-borne typhus: In rare cases, humans can contract typhus from flea bites. This bacterial infection can cause symptoms like fever, headache, and rash.
  • Bartonella (Cat Scratch Disease): Fleas can carry Bartonella bacteria, which can be passed to humans through scratches or bites from an infected pet. This disease can cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue in people.s

Fleas in Your Home or Business

Fleas don’t only pose a risk to pets. They can also affect people, particularly in homes or businesses with carpeting, furniture, or high foot traffic. While fleas prefer to feed on animals, they will bite humans if there is no other host available, leading to itchy, red welts. In businesses such as hotels, restaurants, or pet stores, flea infestations can harm your reputation and even cause potential health hazards.

How to Prevent Flea Problems

Taking action against fleas is essential to prevent these health risks. Here are a few key steps to keep your home or business safe:

  • Treat pets regularly with flea prevention products.
  • Vacuum carpets and furniture to remove flea eggs and larvae.
  • Wash bedding and fabric items in hot water frequently.
  • Consider professional pest control services if you suspect an infestation.

While fleas are often seen as a minor inconvenience, their impact can be far more serious than itchy bites. From triggering allergic reactions like Flea Allergic Dermatitis to transmitting diseases, fleas can be a genuine health concern for both pets and humans. Keeping on top of flea prevention and treatment is key to avoiding more significant issues down the line.

By staying vigilant and addressing flea problems early, you can protect your home, business, and beloved pets from the potential dangers that these tiny pests bring.

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Why choose Vergo?

Over 45 Years Experience

Vergo Pest Management Ltd has over 45 years industry experience, offering both commercial and residential customers fast and effective pest control services banishing public health pests.

Delivering a Quality Service

Our mission is to deliver pest-free, safe and clean environments for customers on a consistent and quality basis.

Fully Trained Professionals

Vergo technicians are fully trained pest professionals, experienced and knowledgeable in dealing with all manner of public health pests.

Safe & Certified

Safety first, is always our motto at Vergo and we hold various safety accreditations to support this. Vergo are proud members of The British Pest Control Association.