They’re small. They’re hard to exterminate. They’re a menace to your home, pets and people. What are they? Fleas.
These minute insects are one of the hardest pests to get rid of. Fleas are small parasites that feed on animal or human blood and irritating and itchy to both animals and humans. That’s right – fleas don’t bite just animals they also bite people, making them a real problem pest.
How do you know if you have fleas?
While pet owners have a greater chance of getting fleas, these little monsters don’t discriminate and will make their way into your home despite there being a pet present.
Here’s what you should look out for:
You see them: Fleas are extremely small, dark red or brown and have two antennae and six legs. Their back legs are long and powerful allowing them to jump over 10 inches in a single leap. Adult fleas are typically around an eighth of an inch long. To the naked eye, they look like a speck of dirt that can suddenly jump away and where there’s one jumping around, there can be hundreds and even more unhatched eggs. Their eggs are harder to spot but look like tiny white ovals. You may see them on your pet or in common areas around your home.
You notice small dirt piles: That’s called “flea dirt” and it’s actually feces. Flea dirt looks like spilled pepper and you’ll notice it collected in your bedding, carpets, rugs on your pet’s favorite napping spot, and/or on your pet’s skin.
Excessive scratching or gnawing: You may not see the fleas directly but if you notice your pet scratching continuously or gnawing at themselves it may be a sign of the dreaded flea. Flea bites are painful and their salivary glands leave behind an irritating substance that makes the sore itchy and red. If you notice these sores on your furry friend, or even on yourself, it’s time to call a professional.
How do I get rid of these pesky pests in my house?
Fleas are at the top of the list of the worst pests because they’re so difficult to exterminate. The lifecycle of a flea combined with its lifespan and ability to produce offspring makes for the perfect pest infestation inside your home. An adult flea can live up to 100 days. During this time they are biting and sucking blood from any and all hosts they land on. The female fleas are laying eggs around your home for future babies to continue their assault. A female flea can produce around 2,000 eggs during her lifespan and those eggs get scattered throughout your home. While you may think you’ve rid yourself of all your fleas, there may be some unhatched eggs that were unfound and will hatch in days to come. The new baby fleas will be full-grown adults in 2 to 3 weeks’ time and thus your infestation begins again. This is why we recommend calling a pest control company immediately when you notice fleas in your home.
Why call a professional?
Fleas are hard pests to get rid of once and for all because of their lifecycle. We recommend skipping the “at-home treatments” and going straight to a professional. The chemicals and process of treating your home for fleas is complex and extensive. You need to be extremely thorough in removing all fleas and their eggs from the entire home to prevent the infestation from popping back up. A pest control service will have the skills and experience to not cause damage or leave behind toxins that can harm children or pets.
Prevention:
Fleas control is an ongoing battle. Here’s what you can do to prevent fleas from taking over your home (and your life):
- Clean & Vacuum Frequently – this will help remove adults and their eggs from around your home.
- Regularly Wash Bedding & Blankets – this too will help remove adults and their eggs.
- Apply Flea & Tick Treatments To All Pets – all pets no matter if they are outdoor or indoors should be treated regularly.
- Maintain Outdoor Areas – fleas like to hide in tall grass so it’s important to keep your lawn well-groomed and to remove overgrown trees or shrubs.
If your home has fleas, it’s best to call a professional right away. Effective and efficient pest control is what Madsen Pest does best! Give us a call at (715) 791-4777. Our expert technicians are productive and thorough, allowing you to say farewell to fleas once and for all!
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