FLEAS

Fleas are known parasites as they feed directly from their hosts. Fleas are closely associated with humans and their domestic pets. The flea that you are most likely to encounter in your home is actually called the cat flea.

Much can be said of fleas. They are carriers of parasites and disease. They bite humans causing red, swollen bumps.  Flea pupa may not emerge as adults for up to a year! And so, even vacant houses can be infested as when the new tenants move in pupa can sense the carbon dioxide we exhale and hatch as adults. They also sense the pressure of our footsteps and the increase in warmth.

Fleas prefer cats and dogs usually but can be found on most animals including livestock and rodents.

A thorough inspection of your home, both inside and out, by our company can determine where fleas are active and how bad the problem is. Flea control can be rather involved as most areas of the home will require treatment. This will include all carpeted areas, sofas, rugs, baseboards and pet bedding areas.

It is also important to remember to have your pets treated by your veterinarian while your home is being treated. This will limit the chances of reinfestation immediately after the service has been performed.

Here are some other flea facts:

• Fleas average between 1/12" to 1/6" long
• They have complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa and adult)
• Females can lay up to 400 eggs
• Fleas can jump 7-8 inches vertically and up to 16 inches horizontally
• They have piercing-sucking mouthparts which allow them to take a blood meal from the host
• Fleas are NOT host specific, meaning the do not live on the host. They only use the host for food and transport.