In the complex web of household life, fleas can quickly transform cozy into uncomfortable. These minuscule, unrelenting vermin can cause severe damage to both humans and pets. They are most likely the most prevalent type of parasite in human habitation.
The fur of pets, especially dogs and cats, is where these microscopic pests most frequently establish their homes. One of the largest regular expenses a pet owner can have is trying to keep their pets flea-free and flea control can be necessary in many cases.
Fleas are small insects that live by attaching themselves to hosts, usually birds and mammals, in wooded areas. Adult fleas are 2.5 mm long and have a shiny, reddish-brown exterior, with flat bodies that enable them to move quickly through fur and hair.
The world is home to more than 2,500 distinct species of fleas. With a jumping distance greater than 150 times their body length, fleas are recognized as some of the best jumpers in the world. Fleas are parasites that feed on their host’s blood to survive.
The type of fleas your pet most likely has is the “cat flea,” but we can assist with fleas of any kind, including dog, human, and cat. Although dog fleas exist, they are far less common in the United States, to the point where some experts are skeptical that they have successfully migrated here.
Throughout its life, a single cat flea will lay hundreds of eggs. If not dealt with, those eggs will be dispersed throughout the home, causing infestations.
Although they can survive in a range of climates, fleas prefer to live in humid, shaded areas. They usually live in wood piles, weeds, tall grass, shrubs, and debris piles in the wild. They also might reside in areas like dog houses, sheds, garages, and outdoor furniture near homes and businesses.
They usually stick to the neck, belly, and back regions of dogs and cats. Since flea eggs are not attached to their host, they can fall off and land anywhere. When those eggs hatch, the fleas will invade any area of houses and establishments where people or pets are frequently present.
Although fleas are unable to fly, they are adept at long-distance jumping and frequently move from one host to another. Because they can carry and spread a variety of diseases and parasites, fleas pose a threat to human and pet health.
For instance, they can give cats the bacteria Bartonella henselae, which, if it is then spread to a person, can cause cat scratch fever.
Pets can easily contract parasites such as tapeworms by consuming fleas or their eggs. Although fleas cannot directly harm the structure of your house or place of business, they can directly harm the health of you, your loved ones, your pets, clients, or staff.
Once a host brings one or two fleas inside the house, others quickly follow. After feeding on their hosts, female fleas can lay several eggs in as little as 48 hours. Flea eggs can hatch practically anywhere in a house or place of business because they are not bonded to their host.
Fleas spread quickly once within a host because they can jump from one to another. They can also enter a home through worn furniture or carpets.
You may have a flea infestation:
There are several strategies to keep your house or place of business flea-free.
If you have pets, the first step in flea prevention is to take care of them. To ensure that the adult fleas, larvae, and eggs are eliminated, we advise administering a routine flea treatment to your pets.
You will probably need to treat your pet more than once to address the issue because fleas can live for longer than a month. See a veterinarian if your pet seems unresponsive to treatment or bites, or if regular medication isn’t working.
Although fleas can be active in the winter, they are much more prevalent in the warmer months, so pet owners should exercise caution. There are two reasons for this:
You should also treat any carpets, upholstery, bedding, or baseboards that may have fleas or their larvae. If your flea infestation is minor, you may be able to eliminate any remaining pests by simply vacuuming and washing the linens. Serious cases will necessitate the services of a pest control professional.
Maintaining a well-kept lawn and pruning your trees and shrubs is important as well since it can help keep flea populations in check. Clean, food-free outdoor areas deter rodents and opossums, raccoons, and mice from bringing fleas inside as well.
You should not take fleas in your home lightly. A small irritation has the potential to quickly grow into a major issue.
One of the main duties of owning a pet is preventing outbreaks in your house. Furthermore, you don’t want to put off containing an outbreak any longer than absolutely necessary if something does go wrong.
When all else fails, the best option when dealing with an infestation is to hire a pest control specialist.
Titan Pest Control is a full-service pest control and extermination company that is fully qualified to handle insects and creatures.
Titan Pest Services provides commercial and residential pest control services. Single-family homes, apartment buildings with apartments above, five-star hotels, sports arenas, airports, restaurants, and other commercial spaces are among our clientele.
Our solid reputation is based on reliability, focus on customer service, and trust. We follow the strictest guidelines in the business, skillfully fusing superior customer service with knowledgeable extermination methods.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance keeping your home free of pests or if you have any questions.