Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of any warm-blooded body. The most common species is the cat flea, which often feasts on cats, dogs and humans. The name fleas refers to many species including dog fleas and cat fleas (Ctenocephalides canis). Fleas are wingless, dark colored bugs that range in size from 1/16 to 1/8 inch. Because they do not have wings, fleas travel from hosts by hopping. They can hop up to 7 inches in the air. Although fleas prefer animals, once inside a home they will often bite and feed off of humans as well. Because of these reasons, a flea infestation can quickly become overwhelming. You need a skilled and knowledgeable exterminator on your side to help you with flea control and remove these pests from your property.
Fleas can live for about 100 days during which time the females produce 400-500 offspring. Fleas transport themselves on rodents and other mammals, and usually remain on their hosts at all times. These pests use their powerful legs to jump as high as 8″ vertically, which is 150 times their own height. If humans could do this, we would be able to leap over skyscrapers.
Fleas infest both household pets and wild animals like opossums, raccoons and skunks. They can also be found on shoes, pant legs or blankets, which can transfer the fleas to new environments.
Fleas are the most common transmitter of the rare bubonic plague. They also transmit the bacterial disease murine typhus to humans through infected rats. Their saliva can cause serious flea allergy dermatitis in pets and their debris has been reported to cause similar allergic reactions in humans. Fleas can also transfer tapeworms and cause anemia in pets, which is why active flea management is an important component of pet care. Flea bites commonly cause painful, itchy red bumps. For these reasons, it is vital is contact a trained profession to help with fle control matters in your home or business.
Looking to control fleas in your home? You should clean and vacuum frequently to help remove flea populations and prevent the laying of eggs. It is also necessary to keep the lawn groomed to avoid rodent habitation. if you have epts, you should practice active flea management by keeping dogs on a leash when outside, bathing and grooming pets regularly, visiting a veterinarian annually, and using flea treatments according to direction. If you suspect a flea infestation, it is important to hire a flea control professional to identify and safely remove these pests.
Reach out to Ready Pest Control today for quality pest control solutions for your home or business. We understand how frustrating it can be to have unwanted fleas in your home, on your pets, and more. Let Ready Pest Control help you get rid of these invasive bugs forever. Call us today to learn more about our flea control techniques and services.
