Yes, Colorado has fleas. The dry climate keeps numbers lower than in humid regions, but fleas are still common on pets and in the wild.
It's a common assumption that Colorado's dry, high-altitude climate is too arid for fleas. Fleas do prefer humidity, and the dry air does hold their numbers down compared with the humid Southeast, but "fewer" isn't "none," and Coloradans deal with them regularly.
The everyday flea concern is the same one as anywhere else. Cats and dogs pick them up and bring them inside. There, the warm, sheltered indoor environment lets them breed regardless of the dry weather outside. So flea prevention for pets is as relevant in this state as anywhere else.
There's a distinctly Western wrinkle, though: plague. Colorado is one of the states where plague circulates naturally in wild rodent populations. Yes, that plague. It’s carried by prairie dogs and other wild rodents. Outbreaks can wipe out a prairie dog colony and send infected fleas looking for new hosts. That’s why Colorado health officials advise against handling or approaching wild rodents. Human plague is rare and it’s treatable if caught early. But it’s still a good reason to take wild-rodent fleas seriously.
That doesn’t mean plague should occupy a prominent place in your thoughts. Rather, it means your pets should be on a vet-recommended flea preventative year-round. And you’ll want to discourage wildlife from nesting close to your home. Also, don’t touch wild rodents.
If you’ve been assuming the Colorado climate would keep fleas away, and now you’re second guessing that, then Mosquito Squad of East Denver can help. Mosquito Squad offers treatments that help control fleas and ticks around your yard. This can help protect your family and pets with up to 90% reduction in pest activity on a recurring 21-day cycle.
