Fleas are parasitic insects that can infest residential homes. Both humans and pets are susceptible to their bites that are unpleasant and can continue if the insects remain untreated. These wingless pests can jump up to 6” vertically in the air with ease, something that you can visibly see as the quickly relocate from host to host. Although pets are the most likely carrier of fleas into the home, it is also possible that humans, including those who don’t own pets can introduce fleas into new areas. So the question begins, what are fleas?
Where do fleas come from?
Fleas originate anywhere outdoors where there are high temperatures and moisture. This means crawl spaces, mud, and grass are ideal breeding grounds for these nasty creatures. Pets can pick up fleas as a result of coming in contact with wild mammals like squirrels, raccoons, and feral cats. Dogs playing in public dog parks are also at a high risk of flea exposure because of other dogs not being properly treated by their owners. After feeding on a host such as your dog, they then spread by laying nearly 50 eggs per day within the dog hair!
Infestations begin to spread through the house as their eggs fall off your pet as it moves through the home and the yard. Once they enter your home, it is nearly impossible to try to remove them without professional pest control intervention. Please use professional flea extermination in NJ or PA to control an infestation in your home.
How can I tell if my dog has fleas?
The first sign that your dog may have fleas is excessive scratching. Flea bites are very painful and itchy for both dogs and humans. This behavior will continue as long as the fleas remain. Scratching can also lead to hair loss and raw patches of skin which are additional signs that your dog may have fleas. Fleas leave behind what many refer to as “flea dirt,” which is feces from the fleas latched onto their skin. By examining the back and tail of your dog, look for small black flecks that resemble small pieces of dirt or black pepper.
Can humans get fleas?
Yes, humans can get bitten by fleas. They manifest as itchy red bumps and can grow to become a larger health risk if the flea populations are not decreased. It is important to make the distinction between flea and bed bug bites. Properly identifying the bite will help determine if you have fleas in your house.
Flea bites Photo Credit: Medical News Today
How to spot a flea bite:
- Small red bumps
- Red halo around bite center
- Bite marks appear in groups or in lines
- Extremely itchy
Bed bug bites
How to spot a bed bug bite:
- Raised, reddened welts, similar to a mosquito bite
- Often appear in rows of 3-4 welts or more
- Extremely itchy
For further information about bed bugs, please click here.
Like dogs, humans can also be carriers or certain types of fleas. Human hair is an easy way for fleas to latch on and be transported from one area to another. If you visit a house where a pet with fleas is present, you can unknowingly transport fleas into your home. You can also pick up fleas from public places such as movie theaters, buildings where service dogs have been, hiking trails, and more.
How can I prevent fleas at home?
Because pets are the main carrier or fleas, it’s imperative that you regularly administer flea treatments. Big box retailers such as PetSmart and Petco carry several brands of products that you can buy to reduce the risk of flea and tick hosting on your dog.
Use a flea comb to comb your dog’s fur when they come indoors after spending extended amounts of time outdoors or in public areas. Doing so can help you catch fleas before they become a larger problem. Call your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding pet care.
Can Cooper get rid of fleas?
Cooper Pest Solutions offers clients a Flea Control Treatment for residential homeowners. Flea control is now more effective and easier than ever. This treatment is designed to accomplish the two following objectives:
- Reduce the number of adult fleas present within the home.
- Interrupt the breeding of the fleas thus preventing a breeding infestation from continuing within the home.
A skilled Cooper technician will come out and treat all accessible areas of the home for fleas, and any pets must receive a flea dip simultaneously. While this service will not immediately eliminate a flea problem, there will be a significant reduction within a several days. This treatment will be rendered ineffective if a pet or other animal continues to bring fleas into the home or there are fleas continuing to breed in inaccessible areas of the home.
Cooper’s Flea Control Treatment is included within our Home Intensive Program. The Home Intensive Program is a quarterly maintenance service that prevents pests from entering your home. A state-certified technician will visit your home four times during the calendar year to inspect for potential pest entry points and activity. They will treat accordingly for all pests covered under the program. If you experience pest activity between quarterly visits, you can call our customer service department for fast technician dispatch. Service calls are unlimited and there is no extra charge.
*Cooper cannot treat wood flooring. Only carpeted areas can be treated. For that reason, your home may not be a candidate for our flea treatment. Please call our customer service department at 1-800-949-2667 for more information.
Will the fleas come back?
You can expect to see adult fleas for 2-6 weeks following application. In most cases the number of fleas will be greatly reduced within several days of the treatment with only small numbers persisting over the next few weeks. It’s imperative that you follow Cooper’s guidelines for post-treatment precautions to ensure best results. These instructions will be provided to you ahead of time, before the treatment takes place so that you are fully informed and aware of all aspects of the application.
If you are looking for a professional flea treatment company near you, Please fill out the form to the right or call us at 1-800-949-2667 to find out more about our flea treatments and to receive a free no-obligation pest estimate.
