Got An Itch You Just Can’t Scratch? (NAPSA)—If you havean itch to take care of your home, here is news you need to know. Flea popu- lations are on the rise and are hatching into homes across the nation, according to professional pest control companies that are noticing a significant increase in professional flea treatments. Unfortunately, fleas are hungry, unparticular parasites that will feast on any warm-blooded body, including you! So if you or your pets are scratching up a storm,it is time to call a professional pest control company to properly identify the cause and treat the problem quickly andeffectively. Fleas and flea-infested animals were the cause of the bubonic plague, which wiped out much of Europe during the Middle Ages. While the plague is an extremely rare disease today, fleas also transmit a bacterial disease, murine typhus, to humans through infected rats, as well as result in itchy, painful red bumps on the host they feed on. The National Pest Management Association offers these tips to help keep fleas from bothering your pets and invading your home: Clean and vacuum frequently. Not only will this help to pick up fleas that have already entered your home butit helps to get rid of the debris fleas enjoy using when preparingto lay eggs. e If adult fleas are found, then it is probable there are hundreds of eggs laid about your home. These Your pet’s fleas can be more than just a nuisance. eggs can take seven to 14 days to hatch and the infestation cycle will continue. Contact a pest manage- ment professional to rid your home of both adult fleas and larvae. Keep your lawn groomed. Untended lawns provide hiding spots and food sources for rodents and other animals that may harbor fleas. Fleas hitch rides with mammals on the move, including rodents. If you have a rodent problem in your homeor on your property, fleas are one more reason to call a professional pest control company to rid your homeof both. e If you have pets, keep them leashed when outside. Visit a veterinarian annually, bathe and groom your pets regularly, and use flea treatments according to direction. Visit www.pestworld.org for more information on fleas and other insects, or contact a pest professional.
