are commonly found on our beloved pets: Ctenocephalides felis (the cat flea) and Ctenocephalides canis (the dog flea). Despite its name, the cat flea is actually the most prevalent species found on both dogs and cats. It can also infest more than fifty species of domestic and wild mammals and birds, including raccoons, opossums, rodents, rabbits, and ferrets. Having any of these wild animals frequenting your property can quickly trigger a severe need for residential flea control.
Fleas are notorious for their incredible jumping behavior, allowing them to travel up to a foot in a single leap. They are easily identified by their reddish-brown color and flat, narrow side profile. By detecting vibration, body heat, and carbon dioxide, fleas know exactly when a suitable animal or human host is nearby and make their move. Once a flea lands on a host, it immediately begins feeding on blood.
Pet owners are often all too familiar with these parasitic insects. Dogs and cats belong to a category of animals known as “nesters.” Fleas thrive on nesting animals because they offer an easy, stationary target while sleeping or resting in their favorite spots. As a result, your pet’s bedding areas quickly become the epicenter of a massive infestation.
Your pets can pick up fleas in several ways, such as:
Once inside your home, these pests reproduce prolifically. Female fleas are voracious feeders, requiring constant blood meals to lay eggs. These eggs easily fall off your pet, hatch into your carpets and furniture, and unleash a brand-new army of pests that require professional flea control to eliminate.
Fleas are more than just an itchy annoyance; they pose significant health risks to both humans and animals. Historically, fleas were responsible for spreading the devastating black plague in the 14th century, and they still transmit murine typhus today.
Additionally, fleas act as intermediate hosts for tapeworms. If your pet accidentally ingests a flea while grooming, they can easily contract a tapeworm infection. Should a flea inadvertently jump into a human’s mouth, the consequences are exactly the same.
Here in California, fleas are abundant and thrive outdoors. The coastal and southwestern regions of the United States are heavily inundated with fleas due to the ideal combination of heat and humidity. As the days grow warmer, outdoor populations skyrocket, making proactive flea control essential for homeowners.
If your pet shows signs of flea bites or constant scratching, contact your veterinarian immediately. Next, thoroughly inspect your pet’s bedding, favorite resting spots, carpets, and upholstered furniture.
How do I know if I have a flea infestation?
Look for frequent scratching or biting from your pets, red bite marks around your ankles, or “flea dirt” (which looks like small black pepper flakes) on your pet’s skin or bedding.
Can I handle flea control on my own with DIY products?
While over-the-counter sprays and bombs might kill adult fleas, they rarely penetrate deep into carpets and baseboards where flea eggs and larvae hide. Professional pest control is required to break the entire life cycle.
How long does it take to eliminate fleas from a house?
Because flea eggs hatch in cycles, it can take a few weeks to completely eradicate an infestation. Our specialized treatments target all life stages to clear your home as quickly as possible.
If you suspect a pest problem on your property, do not waste time. Contact the professionals at GO-PHER The Kill Pest Control today. Our experienced team will promptly evaluate your situation and recommend a fast, effective strategy to eradicate these pests once and for all. The longer you wait, the larger the population grows.
Ready to reclaim your home? Contact GO-PHER The Kill Pest Control for a Free Estimate today!
