You may think you can only have fleas in your house if you have pets… After all, these parasites only live on animals — right? This is a common misconception and one that lulls homeowners into a false sense of security and makes them vulnerable to flea infestations. You can actually have fleas in a house without pets.
Why you can have fleas in a house without pets
There are three main reasons why you can have fleas in your home even if you do not have any pets:
- The previous occupants have flea-infested pets. Fleas suck on the blood of animals to survive. Without a host and a meal, these parasites die. But they are more stubborn than you realize. They can survive and hibernate for weeks or months as they wait for a host. If you have recently occupied the house and discovered that it has fleas even if you don’t have pets, the fleas may have been left to hibernate by the previous occupants.
- There is a flea infestation outside your house. Fleas can take refuge outside your house, particularly in the debris and greeneries you can find in your garden, lawn, and yard. In fact, there are many cases where pets get fleas not from other pets but from the house’s exterior when they play around.
- Stray animals bring fleas into your house. Household pets like cats and dogs are some of the most common victims of fleas (this can be a problem for sensitive pets because they may react negatively to flea treatments). But cats and dogs are not the only ones vulnerable to these parasites; and aside from your neighbor’s cat, other stray animals may wander into your home bringing fleas with them — wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, and squirrels are notorious carriers of fleas.
Fleas in your house without Pets — what do you do?
Fleas are not just dangerous to household pets. They can also be dangerous to you and your family. Flea bites are itchy and painful. Though rare, allergic reactions to flea bites do occur. Allergic reactions can be medical emergencies if they are severe enough. So, if you have fleas in your house, you should definitely try to get rid of them as soon as you can.
- Call a pest control professional. When you think about fleas, veterinarians are probably the first professionals that come to your mind when it comes to treatment. But since you don’t have pets, it may be a better idea to call pest control professionals instead. The great thing about getting professionals to do the treating for you is that you are sure the infestation will be eliminated effectively and safely. Sure, there may be DIY methods out there. But their potency is questionable at best.
- Vacuum, steam clean, and wash. Fleas can thrive in beds, carpets, furniture coverings, rugs, and other similar objects around your house. They may be closer than you think, and you may be more vulnerable to flea bites than you realize. But you don’t have to be. Vacuum all surfaces as much as possible. It’s even better if you can steam clean them. Also wash everything that can be washed, especially those you are in close contact with, like your bedsheets.
- Use commercial flea control products. Use pesticides to get rid of fleas. These pesticides usually come in the form of sprays. Simply spray the pesticides on the areas with fleas. That may sound simple enough, but make sure to read the instructions on their labels to maximize their effectiveness and ensure their safety. If you don’t like using pesticides, you can try flea traps. You can also try DIY methods. You can sprinkle boric acid or diatomaceous earth on the areas with fleas. But take note that boric acid can be toxic to humans too when consumed and diatomaceous earth can cause irritation when inhaled.
How do you prevent the fleas from coming back?
There is no point in getting rid of the fleas in your house if your house is still attractive for these parasites. Another batch of fleas will cause another infestation. Prevent fleas from coming back with the following tips.
- Maintain your greeneries. Sure, fleas can only live for so long without a host to feed on, but it’s still enough time to take refuge outside your house and wait for a victim. They can become comfortable in bushes, fallen leaves, tall grasses, and other greeneries you may have in your garden, lawn, and yard. Keep them clean and short, so they don’t become a safe refuge for fleas.
- Keep your house’s interior clean. Regularly vacuum and steam clean all surfaces in your house. Regularly wash everything that can be washed too, especially those that come in direct contact with you, like your bedsheets. This may seem like obvious advice, but it’s one that needs to be said. There are so many instances of fleas thriving on properties just because homeowners don’t clean regularly.
- Make your house unattractive to stray animals. The fewer stray animals that come and go on your property, the fewer chances of getting fleas from these strays. The best way to prevent strays is to make food and water inaccessible, not just those that you actually consume. You have to clean out stagnant water pools outside of your house too and keep garbage cans closed. It also helps if your house is inaccessible. Keep your doors and windows closed and seal all cracks and holes where strays may get through.
You can get fleas in a house without pets
Yes, you can get fleas in your house even if you don’t have any pets. The fleas may come from the previous occupants of your house or stray animals. They may even come from a thriving nest outside of your house.
You have to get rid of fleas even if you don’t have pets because they can be a danger to you too. And once you get rid of them, make sure to maintain your house, so they don’t come back.