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How Dangerous Is It To Have Fleas In My Longview Home?
July 15, 2021
Fleas are miserable pests that can leave very itchy wounds on your skin. But, of course, you probably already know that. What you might not know is that there are ways fleas can make you sick. As you read, keep in mind that the risk of disease is extremely low. You do not need to live in fear of a flea infestation. It is just important that you're aware of the potential threat, and that you keep in mind what warning signs you may see.
Murine Typhus
This disease is spread by infected fleas through exposure to flea dirt, which is the feces of fleas. If you have an open wound and infected flea dirt gets into it, you can become sick. Symptoms of this disease are flu-like in nature and may become severe if not treated. If you live in Longview, you should be aware that Texas reports the highest number of flea-borne typhus cases each year.
Tapeworms
If you have a dog or a cat, you may already be aware that your pet can get tapeworms. Do you know that you can get them as well? Yup. If an infected flea jumps into your food and you consume it, you can get tapeworms. The good news is that, in most cases, tapeworms will get flushed out of your system without causing more than some belly pain and diarrhea. In very rare cases, tapeworms can cause a blockage and there can be serious symptoms.
Bartonellosis
There are many strains of Bartonella. One, in particular, is called cat scratch disease. This can be spread from an infected animal—typically a cat—by way of a scratch. You can also get it from the saliva of an infected pet. This disease is most common in the Southern United States and among children. The CDC estimates the number of cases each year will be just above 10,000, with around 500 people being hospitalized.
Anemia
It is never good to allow a flea infestation to go untreated—or poorly treated. Not only may there be a disease threat, but you or someone you love could become anemic. The symptoms of anemia may be weakness, jaundice, shortness of breath, an irregular heartbeat, headache, chest pains, dizziness, and coldness in the extremities.
Plague
While very rare, it is possible to become sick with the Bubonic plague. Fortunately, this disease can be treated. But, it is important that it be treated within 24 hours. If you notice dead animals, particularly rodents, on your property, this is a warning sign of plague. Fleas from those animals can bite you or your pet and spread this dangerous disease to you.
Misery For Your Pet
There are many ways you can get sick from flea bites. All of them are rare. And, there are more than a few that we have not mentioned here. But, the greatest threat fleas present is to your dog or cat. If you have a pet, it is likely that you know this. But, what you might not know is that you can protect your pets by investing in year-round pest control for the perimeter around your home. The treatments we provide in our residential pest control can give protection from fleas. If you live in Longview Texas, you're in our service area.
For information about year-round residential pest control or flea treatments in Longview, reach out to Pest-Pro Services, Inc. today. We look forward to assisting you with this essential protection for the health of your pets, and the health of everyone who lives in your Longview home.
