Have you wondered why flea bites seem to be more common during the summer? This is because during the hot months when there is an increase in warmth and humidity, a flea’s lifecycle speeds up. It is also during the summer that we allow our pets out of the house more often which will further increase the chance of a flea infestation in our home.
When introducing this pest it is probably best to look at the most common questions we get asked when it comes to a flea infestation, and we, as an experienced pest control company will explain how to get rid of fleas as well.
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are small wingless insects that act as external parasites as they feed on the warm blood of their hosts, usually mammals and birds. It is for this reason that dogs and cats are among the common victims of these pesky little parasites. Humans are also not immune to fleas.
What Do Fleas Look Like?
Adult fleas are usually between 2.5mm – 3mm in size with a red to brown shade. Their bodies are covered in hair, which makes it easier to grip on to their hosts. They have flat bodies and 6 long thin legs, which makes them ideal for jumping from one host to another. Their mouths are designed to be able to puncture their host’s thick skin and extract blood at ease. They don’t have wings.
What Do Flea Eggs Look Like?
Flea eggs look like small almost translucent grains of salt. They are white and only about 0.5mm in diameter, which is tiny. They can be mistaken for common dandruff on your pet’s fur. That is also one of the most common places that you will find flea eggs. As we have mentioned before the flea lifecycle is quickened in warm and humid temperatures so what better place than nestled up inside your pet’s fur.
How Long Do Fleas Live?
Fleas can live for approximately 100 days without having to feed on blood or if they are left undisturbed. This is when they are in their dormant state (in a cocoon). On average they will live between 2-3 months in this state. The problem in the summer is as the flea lifecycle is quickened so too is the reproduction. A female can lay eggs approximately 36-48 hours after her first blood meal.
Can Humans Get Fleas?
Yes, humans can get fleas because at the end of the day we are warm-blooded mammals and that is what these parasites are after. The reason that we are less likely to be inflicted by fleas compared to dogs or cats is that we do not have the same amount of body hair that a flea loves to reside in. Fleas can hide in our hair and bite our scalp and the back of our neck. But we are predominantly used as carriers as opposed to permanent destinations.
Do Fleas Fly?
Fleas do not have wings so they cannot fly. But they are great jumpers, second only to the froghopper when it comes to distant jumped relative to size. They can on average jump 7 inches vertically and 13 inches horizontally. If you would want to compare this to the average American man, this would be the equivalent to a 344 feet vertical jump, and 639 feet horizontally. The current world records stand at 29 ft 4 ¼ in (long jump) and 8 ft ¼ in (high jump).
What Do Flea Bites Look Like?
Flea bites on humans look like small red welts that will be incredibly itchy. A rash can sometimes surround them. Flea bites on humans are more common on the legs and feet and around the scalp.
How Long Can Fleas Live Without a Host?
Without host blood, a flea will only survive between 3 days and a week at most. When we said that they can survive for 100 days that is if they are still in a cocoon and can slow down their metabolic activity by becoming dormant. But a recently emerged flea will have to find a host quickly or perish.
How To Get Rid Of Fleas?
It is easier to prevent fleas than to get rid of them. If fleas have a foothold in your house you are best advised to call a professional flea exterminator to rid you of the problem for good. We at Official Pest Prevention have highly effective flea treatments available and are only a phone call away. Call now on (877) 711 2847
How To Get Rid Of Fleas On Dogs?
Fleas can get in your home no matter how careful you are. Dogs can pick up fleas from other animals or could adventure into areas that have a major flea infestation. Flea treatment for dogs can involve using a special flea comb to brush the little pests out. There is also a special dog shampoo that can act as a flea repellant. We would also advise vacuuming your pet’s bedding meticulously over the coming weeks. But the most effective flea treatment for dogs is drops – particularly Frontline Plus and Advantage II.
How To Get Rid Of Fleas On Cats?
Getting rid of cat fleas is more difficult than dogs because cats will lick and clean themselves, ridding their bodies of the repellants that you are applying. That being said we would advise using the products mentioned in the previous paragraph. Using a specific flea comb will work similarly to that of a dog as well.
How To Get Rid Of Fleas In The House?
If you would like to attempt to get rid of the fleas yourself you can try these methods. Thoroughly vacuum your home, from the carpet, upholstery, cracks in the floorboard, and even your pets. When disposing of the vacuum bag make sure to do it in a safe environment away from your home. Simply vacuuming up fleas will not kill them. A flea control home remedy like applying baking soda to the carpet can work sometimes as well, although it is not as effective. This method will dry out the carpet soaking up any moisture causing the fleas to become dehydrated and wither away. We would suggest focusing on the areas in your home where your pets reside infrequently. Their bedding is a common nesting place for these little pests.
What Dangers Do Fleas Pose To Humans?
Fleas not only cause unwanted red and itchy welts in your skin, but they can also carry serious diseases as well. Blood-related diseases such as murine typhus and mycoplasma haemofelis have been found in human blood in recent years.
Flea Bite Dermatitis
The most common flea-related infection is flea bite dermatitis. This is caused by the constant itching and scratching that break the skin, which leaves the wound open for infection. But internally fleas can cause havoc as well to your pet’s health.
Tapeworms In Dogs And Cats
Have you ever wondered how your pets got tapeworms? The tapeworm is initially found inside the flea. But when your pet swallows a flea the tapeworm can survive and grow internally. If left unattended they can cause severe weight loss and can even grow to 12 inches in length. A veterinarian can treat this if you find your pet has a tapeworm.
What Are The Signs Of A Flea Infestation
Signs of a flea infestation are easy to miss because of the relative size and if you don’t have any knowledge of what to look out for.
- Little specks of dirt in your pet’s fur. This is usually dried and post-ingested blood from the fleas.
- Flea eggs (description is found above) on your pet or in their bedding
- Excessive scratching and signs of flea bite dermatitis
- Scabs, welts, and open wounds
- Tapeworms (in pet feces) and significant weight loss in a short period of time
How To Get Rid Of Fleas
If you have noticed the common signs of a flea infestation in your home you should call an experienced flea exterminator immediately. The external parasites can be quite a nuisance when it comes to you and your pet’s health. Here at Official Pest Prevention we can come and inspect your home for any flea infestation, and offer our premium flea exterminator services.
Official Pest Prevention is equipped to handle any infestations you may have. Whether you live in a commercial area or a residential one, if you say hello to us, you’ll be saying goodbye to those pesky bugs.
If you have any questions at all about our highly-rated services, then please feel free to contact us. We’re always eager to help out.
Official Pest Prevention is a family-owned, licensed pest control company celebrating 20 years serving over 100,000 satisfied customers in five area codes throughout Northern and Central California. Starting with a few contacts, and only four full-time employees, our small company has grown into an organization that today employs over 100 people, maintains a fleet of 75 vehicles, and has serviced over 100,000 Northern California households. This tremendous growth has come from loyal customers, who have recommended our work to their friends, family, and neighbors.
We are a full-service pest control company. Whatever your pest problem, we have a solution. Our goal is to make your property pest-free. Guaranteed. Contact us online or by phone (877) 711 2847 – for immediate assistance. Same-day bookings and flexible payment plans available – because pest invasions wait for no one.
