When Do Fleas Come Out?

A question we often get is, “When do fleas come out?” While there is some nuance in the answer to this question, this week, we’ll get to the bottom of it and address some additional flea facts.

Is There A Flea Season?

The short answer is that there is no particular time of year when you, your pets, or your home are not at risk of fleas. However, fleas do have climate and temperature preferences in which they thrive. Fleas prefer warm and humid conditions and will spread more easily in that environment. In the Four States, warm and humid conditions often persist from April through at least September. So the long answer is that because fleas often infest homes that are temperature controlled or hide in the warm coats of family pets, they present a risk year-round. However, they are typically much more prevalent in the spring and summer.

What Are the Health Risks Associated with Fleas?

Now that we’ve established that fleas are present year around but come out stronger in the spring and summer, let’s examine some of the health risks that fleas present. Fleas are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. Their bites are irritating and uncomfortable, and fleas can harm you or your pet. Some of the health risks associated with fleas include:

Allergic Reactions

Some people may be allergic to flea saliva, which can cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to flea bites include itching, swelling, and redness.

Skin Infections

Flea bites can cause skin infections if they are scratched excessively. These infections can range from minor to severe and may require medical treatment.

Transmission of Diseases

Fleas can transmit diseases such as cat scratch fever. Although fleas are not a leading vector of disease transmission to humans in the United States, flea infestations nevertheless create the hazard of disease.

Tapeworm Infection

Fleas also spread tapeworms to pets, which can lead to weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Get Fleat Treatments

As the weather starts to warm up and fleas become more prevalent, now is the perfect time to have your home treated for fleas. At Bug-A-Way Pest Control, we offer 100% safe flea treatments for people and pets. For year-round protection, we recommend one of our Pest-A-Way Plans.