Fleas are not a pest that you want to take on yourself. While over-the-counter flea control products can be safe to use, they commonly provide lackluster results. The only way to get rid of a flea infestation for good is to hire your local Sacramento pest control experts at Earthwise Pest Management. We can safely and effectively eradicate your flea infestation.
Read on to learn more about flea control, and if you are in need of professional pest control services, contact our team today.
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are small parasites that feed on the blood of mammals. You most often find these creatures feeding on your dog or cat. Fleas live in your pets’ fur and use their mouths to latch on to consume their blood.
Adult fleas are approximately 2.5mm in length. The most common type in homes is a shiny reddish-brown color. Fleas don’t have wings, but they do have strong back legs that allow them to jump. These small parasitic creatures usually live on dogs, cats, or rodents, depending upon the species, and feed off of their host, who will have small red spots on their skin from the flea bites, causing them to scratch uncontrollably.
Where Are The Fleas Coming From?
Pets typically pick up fleas from various environments where these tiny pests thrive. Common sources include:
- Outdoor Areas: Pets can pick up fleas from grassy areas, especially in warm and humid climates. Fleas are more prevalent in shaded and moist places.
- Interactions with Infested Animals: When pets come into contact with other animals infested with fleas, they can easily pick up these pests. This commonly happens at parks, grooming salons, or during playdates.
- Home Environment: Fleas can be present indoors, especially if other infested pets are present or if the environment is not adequately treated. Carpets, bedding, and furniture can harbor flea eggs and larvae.
- Traveling: Bringing pets to new places, whether it’s a friend’s house, a boarding facility, or a vacation destination, can expose them to fleas.
- Wildlife: Encounters with wildlife, such as squirrels or rodents, can introduce fleas to your pets.
How Do You Know If You Have Fleas in Your Home?
Your dog or cat scratching is a tell-tale sign of fleas in your home. And while several different conditions can cause itchy skin, fleas usually leave behind red dots where they have bitten the animal. You may also notice flea feces, better known as flea dirt, in your pet’s fur. These little specs often have a red hue to them due to the flea’s diet.
Inspecting your pet is the best way to determine if you have fleas in your home. Give your pup a belly rub, and you’ll be able to inspect their stomach where there is slightly less fur to get in the way. If you notice red bumps from bites, flea dirt, or fleas, your suspicions will be confirmed.
How Do You Get Rid of Fleas?
Fleas can be difficult to get rid of. They grow in four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. To rid your home of fleas completely, you must kill them at every stage. If just one female is left, she can lay up to 27 eggs a day and about 2,000 in her lifetime, making it relatively easy for another infestation to start.
If you discover fleas in your home, you must treat your pet and your home. The following tips provide insight into controlling fleas and eliminating them from your pet and your home:
- Treat Your Pet:
- Use a flea comb regularly to detect and remove adult fleas.
- Employ cat flea treatments prescribed by your veterinarian.
- Wash your pet’s bedding frequently to prevent flea eggs from hatching.
- Clean Your Living Space:
- Vacuum your home thoroughly, paying attention to carpets, rugs, and furniture.
- Dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the canister to prevent fleas from re-infesting.
- Eradicate Fleas in Your Home:
- Seek professional pest control services to eliminate fleas in every life stage.
- Treat your home environment simultaneously with pet treatment to ensure comprehensive results.
- Break the Flea Life Cycle:
- Use flea treatments that kill adult fleas and disrupt the life cycle.
- Repel fleas by maintaining a clean and clutter-free living space.
Seek Professional Flea Control Services
If you find yourself grappling with flea infestations, consider seeking professional assistance. Earthwise Pest Management offers expert solutions to eradicate fleas from both your pets and home. We can also assess the situation and provide targeted treatments to eliminate fleas from your yard before they infest your pets. Don’t let fleas disrupt your peace of mind — contact us for thorough and reliable flea control services.
The Sacramento Pest Control Experts
Let the Sacramento pest control experts handle flea control in your home. Contact us today, and you’ll be enjoying a flea-free home again in no time.