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Despite their relatively small stature, fleas are among the most aggravating potential problems for local homeowners. Fleas are wingless insects that rarely exceed 1/8 inch in length, and have a shiny body appearing in shades of red or brown. They are incredibly agile pests that can use their strong rear legs to jump as far as one foot as they travel. Fleas are parasites that consume the blood of their hosts, such as mammals. As fleas infest their hosts, they create significant itchiness and irritation throughout the surface of the skin. Some of the most common types of fleas include cat fleas, dog fleas, and sand fleas.
Flea Activity And Infestation
One of the primary problems with fleas is their ability to rapidly multiply, as females can lay thousands of eggs in their lifetime. Fleas develop through stages as eggs, larvae, pupa, and then into adulthood. Adult fleas become capable of reproducing after they begin consuming blood. Another challenge in eliminating fleas is that many treatment options kill adult fleas; however, their eggs may remain intact, and later develop.
Pets such as cats and dogs are among the primary targets for fleas, particularly when outdoors. Most pets tend to begin scratching frequently, and skin irritation is common (dermatitis), which results from an allergic reaction. Fleas may potentially expose pets to a host of pathogens that can create health problems.
What Are Some Tips For Preventing Fleas?
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Although it is difficult to completely prevent fleas, several measures work very well in reducing the likelihood of developing a problem.
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Pets should be treated regularly for fleas, ticks, and other parasites with proper guidance from a licensed veterinarian.
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Regularly wash pet beds, and vacuum the areas where pets sleep, as well as carpet, floors, bedding, and furniture.
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Reduce the possibility that feral cats, and other wildlife that may have fleas, will be venturing through your yard by securing exterior trash cans with a lid. Also, promptly remove any uneaten pet food.
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Keep tree branches, shrubs, and other vegetation trimmed back away from the home to prevent rodents, and other creatures with fleas, from accessing attics and crawl spaces.
Do I Need Assistance From A Professional?
Many homeowners that initially detect a possible problem with fleas or other pests will mistakenly underestimate the seriousness of the situation. A somewhat small invasion often quickly becomes a major infestation that spreads throughout the home. Some of these individuals will also attempt to take shortcuts by purchasing do-it-yourself home treatment options that are sold at local stores and internet retailers.
Most of these store-bought products are incapable of fully eradicating significant pest infestations, and tend to generate only short-term results. Some of the mass-marketed pest control products might also contain chemical agents that pose some risk to the health of humans, and to the local ecosystem. You are strongly encouraged to contact a licensed pest control professional if you suspect a problem.
Leading Pest Extermination Company In Monmouth County
The local team of experts at Alliance Pest Services has been providing solutions for residential and commercial customers throughout the Monmouth County region for approximately 30 years now. We adhere to many of the best practices and guidelines from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) to ensure the safety of our customers. We employ comprehensive strategies that will thoroughly eliminate intrusions from fleas, cockroaches, bed bugs, and a host of other troublesome and potentially dangerous pests.
We stand behind the quality of our work with the Alliance Service Guarantee that ensures all customers are completely satisfied. Contact our office today to schedule an onsite inspection that involves thoroughly assessing the interior and exterior of the premises.
