Fleas are one of the most frequently encountered and most troublesome pests that attack humans and their pets. Fleas are small reddish brown wingless blood-sucking insects. Their bodies are flattened from side to side allowing easy movement between the hairs of your pet. Legs of a flea are long and readily adapted for jumping. A flea has mouthparts that are readily adapted for sucking blood.
The adult flea may attack a variety of warm-blooded animals including dogs, cats, humans, chickens, rabbits, squirrels, rats, mice, etc. The female flea must have a blood meal in order to develop and lay eggs. Fleas may lay up to 500 eggs over a period of several months. Eggs hatch in 1-12 days. Larvae avoid light and feed on particles of dead matter in the area. Within 7-14 days, flea larvae will pupate. The cocoon of the flea pupae will emerge in 5 days to five weeks if a host is present. The adult flea immediately begins its search for blood.
Flea control must involve two things to be successful. First, the pet must be treated to prevent fleas from living on the host. Second, the premises must be treated to eradicate the non-adult stages of the flea and to prevent reinfestation of the pet. A proper communication between the homeowner and pest control professional and thorough preparation of the premises before treatments are rendered is important to flea control.
BEFORE THE TREATMENT
- Vacuum all rugs, carpets and furniture - especially between and under cushions. Then seal and dispose of the vacuum bag in an outside receptacle.
- Clean and clear all floors, even closet floors. Mop all tile and vinyl floors. Sweep all concrete floors.
- Remove all pets. Fish bowls and aquariums may remain if properly covered and the aerator is shut off during treatment.
- Wash or dispose of all pet bedding. If laundering, wash pet bedding separately from other items.
- Show your pest control professional where pets sleep, eat and rest.
AFTER THE TREATMENT
- Follow the specific instructions of your pest control professional to find out when you can return to your home.
- Resume normal vacuuming 24 hours after your home has been treated to give the insecticide time to work.
- Continue vacuuming every 3-4 days for two weeks. This will improve the effectiveness of the insecticide by stimulating unhatched fleas to emerge from their protective pupae cases.
Don't be alarmed if you continue to see fleas for up to two weeks after treatment. These fleas are newly hatched from their protective pupae cases. Once exposed to the insecticide residual, they will also be eliminated.
Allgood Pest Solutions of Jacksonville, Florida provides Pest Control, Termite Control and lawn care for your home or business.
For more information about the pests that Allgood Pest Solutions can control at your home, please click on the following links:
