The Excel Pest Services team is committed to helping homeowners keep their properties pest-free with our effective and environmentally responsible pest control solutions. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, we specialize in flea extermination and prevention and ensure that you and your pets can enjoy a comfortable and safe living space.
If you are a first time homeowner it is important to understand how to prevent fleas in home environments, especially before the beginning of spring. As spring sets in and as temperatures rise, flea populations are known to increase rapidly which makes early prevention vital.
In this guide, we will take you through important steps to prevent flea infestations from both inside and outside your home, so that you can enjoy a pest-free space throughout the year.
Why Spring Is Prime Flea Season for Homeowners
As the sun comes out and temperatures rise, fleas become more active which makes spring the perfect time for infestations to begin. During the spring, flea eggs and larvae that have been dormant during the colder months begin to hatch which leads to a sudden surge in flea activity. Fleas thrive in humid, mild conditions and these are the conditions that spring weather is known for - so it's important to act before the weather begins.
For first-time homeowners, flea prevention before spring is vital as fleas reproduce rapidly. To give you some perspective, a single flea has the ability to lay up to 50 eggs per day! And with the right conditions, a small flea presence can turn into a full-blown infestation in just a few weeks. With this in mind, by the time flea activity becomes noticeable, they may have already spread throughout your home.
Taking early preventive steps helps stop infestations before they even start which will save you from costly removal treatments and uncomfortable living spaces. So, where do you begin in the prevention process? Let’s take a look.
How to Prevent Fleas in Your Home Before Spring
Begin your flea prevention process with a thorough deep cleaning of your new home and make sure to focus on areas where fleas and their eggs are most likely to be found. Vacuuming carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and pet bedding are places to start. The vacuuming process removes flea eggs and larvae before they even hatch. Fleas hide in soft furnishings, so steam cleaning is highly effective in removing both adult fleas and their eggs.
Then it's time to make sure to seal cracks, gaps, and crevices in floors and walls. This can help prevent fleas from hiding and laying eggs in hard-to-reach places. Baseboards, floorboards, and entry points should be checked and sealed properly. These tiny spaces are important to seal because fleas are incredibly small and can hide in even the tiniest openings.
Now it’s time for washing! Make sure to wash your household fabrics, including pet bedding, throw blankets, and curtains. Wash these items in hot water on a regular basis as this helps eliminate flea eggs before they hatch. Fleas are known to cling to fabrics, so washing and drying on a high heat setting prevents them from multiplying.
Outdoor Flea Prevention: Protecting Your Yard and Entry Points
Fleas usually enter homes from outdoor areas which makes yard maintenance an important part of flea prevention. Make sure to keep your lawn trimmed and short. This removes flea hiding places, as fleas prefer shaded, humid environments. Overgrown grass, leaf piles, and debris offer the ideal conditions for fleas, so clear these areas to keep them away from your home.
Also make sure to use pet-safe flea treatments in your yard as this will add an extra layer of protection. Natural options, such as diatomaceous earth, can be placed on shaded areas. There are also yard sprays and outdoor flea-control products that can help eliminate fleas before they get inside your new home.
Wildlife, such as raccoons, squirrels, and stray animals, can carry fleas into your yard, increasing the risk of an infestation. Securing garbage bins, sealing holes in fences, and preventing access to crawl spaces helps keep flea-carrying wildlife away from your property.
How to Prevent Fleas in Your Home if You Have Pets
If you are a pet owner it is important to take extra precautions to keep fleas out of your home. The most effective way to prevent flea infestations is by using vet-approved flea treatments on your fur babies throughout the year. Topical treatments, oral medications, flea collars, and flea shampoos all provide effective protection but make sure to speak to your vet about the best flea prevention strategy.
Regular grooming and bathing of pets is crucial in flea prevention. Brushing your pet’s fur with a flea comb will also help detect and remove fleas early, while bathing with flea-repelling shampoos can wash away any fleas before they become a problem.
Pet bedding, blankets, and toys should also be washed weekly in hot water to eliminate any fleas that may be present. Vacuuming areas where your pet spends time, such as couches, carpets, and pet beds, reduces the risk of fleas hiding in soft furnishings.
Flea Prevention for Homes Without Pets
Even if you don’t have pets, your home is still at risk of flea infestations. Fleas can enter through previous homeowners, wildlife, second-hand furniture, or visitors who have pets. Checking for fleas before moving in can prevent future infestations.
If you purchase second-hand furniture, rugs, or bedding, inspect them carefully before bringing them into your home. Fleas can hide in fabric seams, wood crevices, and upholstery, so vacuuming and steam cleaning these items is essential.
Keeping entry points sealed and maintained prevents fleas from entering your home through cracks in doors, windows, and vents. Installing fine mesh screens over vents and ensuring weather stripping is in good condition reduces the risk of fleas finding a way inside.
For a detailed guide on preventing fleas on pets, make sure to visit A Pet Owner’s Guide to Fleas.
What to Do If You Spot Fleas in Your Home
If you discover fleas in your home then it’s important to take immediate action. Begin by vacuuming all high-risk areas, including carpets, baseboards, pet bedding, and furniture. And also be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag to prevent fleas from reinfesting your home.
Using flea sprays or home treatments can help too. Choose products that target all life stages of fleas to prevent them from returning.
However, professional flea control is the most effective solution. Excel Pest Services offers expert flea treatments that target every stage of the flea life cycle, ensuring your home remains flea-free.
For more details on identifying flea problems, visit Signs of Flea Infestations.
Need Help? Contact Excel Pest Services Today
For expert flea extermination and prevention, Excel Pest Services offers customized flea control solutions. Whether you need preventative treatments, professional extermination, or long-term solutions, our team is here to help.
Learn more about our flea extermination services here.
Contact Excel Pest Services today for professional flea control solutions and enjoy a pest-free spring in your new home!
