Fleas are frequently encountered in homes and are common pests on domestic cats and dogs and other wild life. There are many types of fleas but the most troublesome in our region are the fleas found on domestic animals. Note, fleas from rodents can carry and transmit plague. One must control rodents to prevent fleas from shifting to human hosts.
Fleas are a nuisance to both animals and humans and are suspected of transmitting plague to humans. Fleas will readily try to feed on almost any warm-blooded host. Flea bites usually cause minor itching but may become increasingly irritating to sensitive skin types. The bite consists of a small centralized spot surrounded by a red halo, usually without excessive swelling. Bites tend to be concentrated on the lower legs but may appear elsewhere.
Life Cycle
Adult fleas are about 1/10 inch long, dark reddish brown and laterally compressed. Adult female fleas are the only flea that will bite a host. Fleas do this in order to lay their eggs. An adult flea generally lives less than 3 weeks on the host. Each female flea lays approximately 10-20 eggs per day. Fleas may be found on pets throughout the year, but numbers tend to increase dramatically during the spring and early summer. Fleas larvae develop more quickly at high temperatures.
Preventative Treatment & Control
Indoor Treatment & Preventative Control
Vacuuming or shampooing a rug and/or furniture every third day for two weeks will remove the majority of the adult flea population. Keep in mind that it does not eliminate the larva, therefore it will not put a stop to their development. Pets should be washed with flea killing shampoo, and then carefully brushed. If they have bedding, this should be thoroughly washed in hot water and dried. Ask your veterinarian about which flea medication is appropriate for your pet.
Outdoor Treatment & Preventative Control
If you have pets that go outside, we recommend treating the yard and other areas on your property that they visit. Not treating these areas may result with your pet becoming re-infested.
Regular watering and lawn maintenance help destroy larvae and prevent development of excessive populations of fleas.
Keep in mind that store bought products may only eliminate part of the flea population. Professional and licensed applicators are the few that have access to specialty products that contain Growth Regulators and other important ingredients.
We specialize in flea treatments offering the best EPA approved materials to ensure the elimination of the fleas as well as utilizing environment friendly practices.