Fleas are tiny wingless pests with shiny bodies that are reddish brown in color and covered with microscopic hairs. These hairs are compacted to make it easier for them to move through animal fur.
Fleas can transmit diseases when they take blood in from an infected host or through contaminated fecal pellets. Fleas are a significant nuisance that no one wants to deal with.
Life Cycle of a Flea
A flea will lay eggs 24-48 hours after they eat and mate. These eggs will fall off on carpet, bedding, cracks and furniture where they will incubate for 10 days. The eggs will then hatch, eat any debris they can find and will spin a cocoon for the pupil stage of life.
The pupil stage can last for days or months depending on conditions. Fleas will mature much faster in warm and humid environments. These young fleas will only have a couple of weeks to locate a host or start the cycle again.
Treatment for Fleas on Cats & Dogs
There are a few options when you find fleas on your pets.
1. Spot-on treatments: There are many spot-on treatments on the market. They are liquids that you can apply to the skin of your pet. These treatments will last a month and are most effective when you use them before your pets get fleas.
2. Collars: Flea control collars have improved over the years. These collars will last for up to 8 months. Some medallions can easily be attached to your pet’s collar.
3. Shampoos & Sprays: If your pet already has fleas, then you can use flea shampoos and sprays to kill adult fleas. These products will not provide long-lasting protection, however. To prevent re-infestation, follow up with a collar.
4. Home & Bedding Control: If you have discovered that your pet is dealing with a flea infestation, then you’ll need to treat their bedding. Talk with a sales associate at the pet store to figure out what will work best.
Flea Pest Control
If you’re dealing with a flea infestation, then chances are that your pet has brought them into your home. Fleas will attach themselves to your pet’s fur when they are outside and then infest their fur and the places they sleep when they come inside.
Controlling fleas can be very hard because they are in your yard and in your home. If you don’t have the right plan with a proactive approach, then any pet owner is at risk for an infestation of fleas. Signs your pet has fleas include scratching and excessive grooming, bite marks, feces that will look like coarse ground pepper, adult fleas and flea eggs.
Even though the best environment for fleas is a warm and humid one, flea infestations can happen anywhere.
There is some good news about living in Idaho when it comes to fleas. The dry, cold winters here keep flea populations from exploding but if you need professional help then contact professionals.
The experts at Pestcom Pest Management understand the habits of fleas and know the best way to eliminate them from your home. Contact us today!