Fleas in New Jersey: Why Flea Control is Important

Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that can make life miserable for both pets and humans in New Jersey. They’re not just a nuisance; they pose health risks and can seriously hamper your enjoyment of your backyard.

Health Risks (Related to Fleas):

• Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD): This is a common allergic reaction in pets to flea saliva. It causes intense itching, leading to scratching, hair loss, and skin infections.
• Tapeworms: Pets can become infected with tapeworms by ingesting fleas that carry tapeworm larvae.
• Anemia: In severe infestations, especially in young or small animals, fleas can cause significant blood loss leading to anemia.
• Cat Scratch Disease (Bartonellosis): While primarily spread by cats scratching, fleas can play a role in transmitting the bacteria Bartonella henselae between cats. Humans can then contract the disease through a cat scratch.
• Plague (Rare but Possible): While rare in New Jersey, fleas can transmit plague bacteria.

Enjoying Your Backyard (Related to Fleas):

Fleas can make your backyard unusable. Imagine trying to relax or have a barbecue while constantly being bitten by fleas. Effective flea control allows you to:

• Let pets enjoy the outdoors: Your pets can roam freely in the yard without becoming infested with fleas.
• Relax and entertain outdoors: You can enjoy your patio, deck, and yard without being bitten.
• Prevent fleas from entering your home: Controlling fleas in your yard helps prevent them from hitching a ride inside on your pets or on you.

Key Flea Prevention Tips:

• Regularly treat pets: Use flea and tick preventatives recommended by your veterinarian.
• Treat your yard: Use yard sprays or granules designed to kill fleas and ticks.
• Vacuum frequently: Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery regularly to remove fleas and flea eggs.
• Wash pet bedding: Wash pet bedding frequently in hot water.

By addressing flea control, you can create a truly enjoyable and safe outdoor environment in New Jersey.