Fleas

What Are Fleas?

Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded mammals, including humans and pets. These pests are usually reddish-brown in color and are easily identified by their powerful back legs, which allow them to jump up to 50 times their body length. This incredible jumping ability enables fleas to move quickly from one host to another.

Adult fleas are approximately one-eighth of an inch long and have hard, flattened bodies that make it easy for them to navigate through the fur, feathers, or hair of their hosts. Their bodies are designed for survival, allowing them to cling tightly to their hosts, making them difficult to remove.

Are Fleas Dangerous?

Yes, fleas can pose significant health risks. These pests are known carriers of various parasites, including tapeworms, which can infect both animals and humans. Flea bites can cause intense itching and irritation, leading to excessive scratching, which may result in secondary skin infections. In some cases, fleas can also trigger allergic reactions, particularly in pets, leading to a condition known as flea allergy dermatitis.

Beyond the immediate discomfort, fleas can also be vectors for diseases such as cat scratch fever and murine typhus, making them more than just a nuisance.

Where Do You Find Fleas?

Fleas thrive in warm, humid environments and are commonly found outdoors in areas where their hosts, such as pets and wildlife, frequent. People and pets are most likely to come into contact with fleas in places like wooded areas, near ponds and lakes, tall grasses, dog parks, and pet grooming facilities. Fleas can also be introduced into homes through used furniture, rugs, or other second-hand items that have been exposed to flea infestations.

Indoors, fleas can quickly spread from one area to another, often hiding in carpets, bedding, upholstered furniture, and cracks in the floor. Their ability to reproduce rapidly can lead to a full-blown infestation in a short period.

How Does Pest Guru Solve a Flea Issue?

At Pest Guru, we take a comprehensive approach to flea control, ensuring that the problem is addressed at every level. Before beginning any treatment, we recommend that any pets in the home be examined by a veterinarian to ensure they are safe and protected from fleas. This step is crucial in preventing re-infestation, as untreated pets can quickly become re-infested and spread fleas throughout the home.

Once pets are taken care of, our expert team begins by treating the home with a special liquid residual mix, carefully spraying baseboards, furniture, and other areas where fleas are likely to hide. The products we use are EPA-certified as low-risk, meaning they are safe for children, pets, and non-target species while being highly effective against fleas.

We also apply an aerosol spray to all fabric-covered furniture and mattresses to ensure that fleas and their eggs are eliminated from these areas. During this process, we advise residents to wash all bed linens, clothing, and other fabric items in hot water with a disinfecting detergent to further reduce the risk of flea survival.

To address outdoor flea populations, we treat the grass in the front and backyards with a granulated pesticide. This product is designed to target fleas in their outdoor habitats, preventing them from re-entering the home. After applying the granules, we recommend that the lawn be watered to activate the pesticide and enhance its effectiveness.

Finally, Pest Guru provides follow-up inspections and treatments as needed to ensure that the flea infestation is fully eradicated. Our goal is to create a safe and comfortable environment for you and your pets, free from the discomfort and dangers associated with fleas.