Flea Identification & Prevention

Fleas are ectoparasites or external parasites. Their preferred hosts are mammals with hair or fur; fleas bite their host and feed on the blood. Unlike ticks, fleas don't attach to the host but have legs covered in bristles that help them stick to hair. Because of this, humans are not regular hosts for these pests, but they can still bite us!

Fleas have flat, reddish-brown bodies and powerful legs, which is how they get onto hosts. Fleas can live for two to three months on a host. Regular flea treatments and an ongoing home pest control program are the most effective ways to protect your family and pets from flea infestations.

Fleas are not just annoying, but they are dangerous too. They can transmit plague and typhus, cause heartworms in animals, and cat-scratch fever in felines

Many believe that fleas only infest homes with pets. Although these homes may be at a higher risk of an infestation of these pests, fleas can also become a problem in homes without animals. They can get indoors on secondhand goods like rugs, furniture, and clothing. They can also infest if you experience a wildlife or rodent infestation.

Even if you resolve your wildlife or rodent problem, eggs may have fallen off them, remaining dormant for some time before hatching and looking for a host. This scenario can also happen outside, where pets or children can pick them up and bring them inside.

If you have pets, they can pick up fleas from other infested animals if you don't take the proper precautions.

As we just mentioned, fleas and eggs can fall off animals indoors and outdoors. When this happens, you might be able to find them between grooves in flooring, rugs, and carpets, outside in piles of debris, tall grass, and woodpiles.

You can trust our team at SureShot Pest Control to solve your flea problem. Our flea control services consist of a prep list that includes vacuuming and getting pets treated by a veterinarian before one of our pest technicians implements a surface spray. We also request that you continue vacuuming daily, discarding the vacuum's contents into a sealed bag in an exterior garbage can, and washing pet bedding weekly.  Learn more about our residential and commercial pest control offerings today.

If you have pets, you should always make sure they are on a flea preventative. Below are some other ways to protect your pets and keep fleas out of your home.

• If your pet spends a lot of time outside or around other animals, you should check for fleas and bathe them regularly.
• Clean pet bedding and vacuum the areas where they are most active.
• Install fencing around your home and animal-proof gardens to keep wildlife away.
• Remove bird feeders and replace flimsy or damaged garbage cans.
• Keep your lawn cut short and clear of debris.

Contact us at SureShot Pest Control to learn more flea prevention tips!