During the summer, fleas are a prevalent nuisance in Ohio lawns. Like ticks, fleas are attracted to warm  temperatures (between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit) and high levels of humidity.

As these pests start to emerge, they look for shady, moist areas to inhabit. Both fleas and ticks are extremely sensitive to direct sunlight and dry lawn conditions. If your lawn is one of the areas they choose and there is no flea spray for yards to keep them out, it won’t be long until their negative impact is felt.

So what can you expect when fleas make their way into your outdoor space? Let’s take a look.

How Fleas Can Harm Your Pets & Family

It may be hard to believe, but there are more than 2,000 species of fleas across the world. In terms of what you’ll encounter in Ohio, the most common type is the cat flea. While the name may imply otherwise, these types of fleas can be found on both cats and dogs and are recognized as being especially hard to eradicate — another reason to use flea spray for yards.

When cat fleas nestle into the fur of cats or dogs (a safe, warm environment they love), pets are likely to bite and scratch their fur in irritation. That’s because while fleas suck on the blood of their prey, they regurgitate juices that get onto the skin of pets. While a pet’s reaction to this can lead to reddening of the skin, hair loss and secondary infections, that’s only the first layer of concern.

Like other types of fleas, cat fleas carry numerous diseases. One example is cat flea rickettsiosis, of which there is no preventative medication or vaccine. In this case, symptoms include fevers, headaches, vomiting and rashes. Another example is tapeworms. These intestinal parasites are known to primarily cause mild irritation or inflammation, with the potential for digestive blockage or disruption to organ function in more severe cases.

While these diseases can harm pets that they latch onto, the same can be said for humans. Cat flea rickettsiosis can occur when a family member handles an infected pet, and tapeworms can occur when children playing outside accidentally swallow a flea. In both scenarios, humans can experience the same problematic symptoms highlighted above, respectively.

But just because you safely handle an infected pet and children move playtime indoors, that doesn’t mean you’re safe from the harmful effects of fleas. These pests are known to hitch rides on pets and make themselves at home in your carpets, blankets and furniture. (After all, they love dark, cozy spaces!)

A More Proactive Approach? Flea Spray for Yards

As an Ohio homeowner, you understand the value of keeping your outdoor space safe — and flea spray for yards is one of the best ways to accomplish this. Rather than wait to ward off fleas after they arrive, you can establish a control barrier that eliminates the cause for concern and allows children and pets to play safely outdoors.

Flea spray for yards is one of the services we offer at Weed Pro. In conjunction with ticks, this spray keeps your yard free of insects that pose risks to your family and pets, as well as the health of your lawn. To learn more about this and other services we offer, contact your local provider.