How to Identify and Get Rid of Fleas
Speak to an expert now.
Keep Your Home Pest-Free
Our local experts are ready to help. Find nearby service today.
Getting Rid of Fleas
While fleas are a nuisance for pets, including dogs, cats, and birds, these pests can also be transmitted to and be problematic for humans. Fleas enjoy biting pets and humans for blood, which can be pretty bothersome as the bites cause itching. Since these pests feed on blood, if a flea bites an animal infected with a disease, they can transmit it from one host to the next. This makes these pests especially dangerous not only to your parents but also to yourself and your family.
Once these pests find their way into your home and pet’s fur, they can be hard to get rid of. They range from 1/12 to 1/6 inches; they are hard to find. Additionally, once they get into your furniture, clothing, pets, and family, you will need special treatments and methods to eliminate them.
Identifying Fleas in Your Home
When it comes to getting rid of fleas in your home, it will help if you first identified the type of flea. While there are more than 2,500 fleas worldwide, more than 300 reside in the United States; there are a few most commonly found throughout the country. These include:
Ctenocephalides felis (Cat Flea)
This flea commonly lives on pets, especially dogs, in the U.S. Until these pests have bitten a host, they are unsure if they are unsuitable. If they deem so, the flea drops off—Cat fleas nest where the host is typical. For instance, if your furry friend typically rests in its pet bed, you’ll find these fleas.
Ctenocephalides canis (Dog Flea)
Dog fleas feed on your furry friend’s blood and occasionally bite humans. With their laterally flattened body, these pests are agile and can jump nearly six inches, so they can move from host to host.
Ceratophyllus gallinae (Bird Flea)
Bird fleas can breed and multiply in hen houses, breeders, and other similar environments. According to experts, adult bird fleas live in bird nests. However, when the birds moved, these pests have to find a new host. Although if the birds remain or the nest gets used again, the breeding cycle will continue.
Signs of an Infestation Flea Infestation
If you’re seeing multiple tiny, reddish-brown insects hopping on your carpet, furry friend, and furniture, you may likely have a flea infestation. Although fleas don’t have wings, their strong fleas allow them to jump long distances, and their armored bodies make it difficult to crush them. Signs of a flea infestation include:
- Furry friend bite, lick, or scratches their fur excessively
- Multiple dot-like insects in pet’s fur
- Fleas hopping on your carpet, drapery, or furniture
How to Prevent Fleas
The first step to getting rid of fleas in your home is to prevent them from breeding. Here are several tips, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to help prevent a flea infestation in your home:
- Rid pets of fleas
- Wash pet bedding in hot water
- Vacuum your floors, mattresses, and upholstery
- Clean up/treat indoor and outdoor areas where pets rest
- Use chemical treatments such as aerosol sprays
Need Immediate Assistance?
Call now to quickly connect with a Western Exterminator specialist.
Treatment Methods for Fleas
To eliminate fleas in your home, you will have to clean indoors and outdoors thoroughly. This includes vacuuming, washing your pet’s bedding, as well as your pet. It’s best to use hot, soapy water and flea-specific shampoos. If you still see these pests in your home, it’s best to call a pest control expert. Experts like Western Exterminator can not only identify and eliminate but also prevent future flea infestations.
Western Exterminator’s Flea Control Service
Western Exterminator’s highly-trained technicians are experts when it comes to fleas. These pest control professionals know about fleas and their life cycle and have trained to find the areas where these pests hide and breed.
Western Exterminator’s Flea Treatment Process
Step 1: Assessment
Our highly-trained technicians inspect your home and identify areas that need treatment. This primarily includes the resting places of your pets, such as pet beds, area rugs, and more.
Step 2: Treatment
We’ll provide you with full recommendations on how we will get rid of them and keep them from coming back. We will give you a price quote at this time and answer any questions you may have.
Step 3: Protection and Prevention
Flea control experts work to eliminate your current infestation and work to find solutions to avoid future flea infestations.
Flea Control Service Near You
Ultimately Western Exterminator is an excellent choice to help you eliminate fleas from your home. With an environmentally friendly approach and industry-leading solutions, the pest control company guarantees results.