Flea Identification

Fleas

What are fleas?

Fleas are ectoparasites, meaning they live and feed on the outside of their host. The most common species of flea is the cat flea. Despite their name, they feed on a variety of hosts using their specialized, piercing mouthparts. Fleas feed on the blood of people, pets, and wild animals. Both male and female fleas consume blood meals. Fleas have hard bodies, making them almost impossible to crush. They are dark reddish-brown in color and are wingless. They have large and powerful hind legs that they use to jump out of the way of danger. Fleas can become a problem on any property or inside any home, whether pets are present or not.

Are fleas dangerous?

Fleas are considered dangerous. They have the potential to transmit diseases and parasites, including tapeworms which can be passed on to both humans and animals. Flea saliva can create an allergic reaction in some people and pets that causes a severe, itchy dermatitis which could become infected and require medical attention. Pets with severe flea infestations can become anemic, causing them to become lethargic and quite ill.

Why do I have a flea problem?

Fleas are prolific breeders, and only a few that have been introduced onto your property or into your home can quickly become hundreds or more. Fleas are most commonly introduced onto properties by wild animals. Once on your property, they will quickly find a new host, often a pet, who then introduces them into your home. People can also bring fleas inside on their clothing. Fleas can infest homes by coming inside on rodents or other wildlife that are nesting in your attic, basement, or wall voids. They also get in on used furniture or on a rug that is infested with their eggs or larvae. If your home or apartment had previous flea problems that were not taken care of by professionals, eggs may be lying dormant. When the right environmental factors are reached, these eggs will hatch and a flea infestation will occur.

Where will I find fleas?

When not feeding on a host, fleas like to live outside in shady, damp areas where pets and animals frequent. Flea populations can be established in high grasses, under leaves, or in the dirt underneath shrubs or bushes. When inside, fleas are commonly found feeding on pets and living in the areas where they spend most of their time, such as pet beds and kennels. Fleas and their eggs also hide out in the cracks of floors, in upholstered furniture, in bedding, and in rugs.

How do I get rid of fleas?

The best way to control and prevent fleas in Port Huron is with the help of a qualified and experienced professional. At Eco Pest Control, our knowledgeable technicians provide the effective and environmentally-responsible residential and commercial services needed to get fleas off of your Michigan area property. Eco Pest Control is committed to exceeding customer expectations and using state-of-the-art solutions to get rid of fleas and prevent their return. To learn more about getting fleas out of your Port Huron or Imlay City area home, reach out to Eco Pest Control.

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How can I prevent fleas & ticks in the future?

In conjunction with professional services, doing the following can help to prevent problems with fleas:

Keep grass on your property cut short.
Maintain shrubs or bushes.
Regularly wash pet bedding.
Inspect yourself, children, and pets for fleas before coming inside after spending time outdoors.
Inspect your pets for fleas after returning home from the veterinarian, groomer, kennel, or other boarding facilities.
Regularly vacuum areas where your pets spend most of their time.
Remove bird and wild animal feeders from your property that could attract wild animals to it.
Place all pets that can be on a year-round flea and tick control program under the guidance of their veterinarian.

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