Fleas are a common problem in homes, especially those with pets. You may discover a problem with fleas even if you do not have pets. This may occur if previous owners of your property kept cats or dogs or if common wildlife animals have made their way into the recesses in or around your home.
Fleas are tiny, wingless insects with flat bodies and strong back legs built for jumping. Most are reddish-brown and measure about one-eighth of an inch long. Fleas are best known for biting pets and people, often causing itchy, irritated skin.
Fleas may also be carried on other animals like rabbits, foxes, rats, mice, and livestock such as pigs.
As parasites, the most significant concern about the presence of fleas in your home or business comes from their bites. Although these are not painful, they can result in an uncomfortable itch or rash. Your pets could also develop allergies to flea saliva.
If you need help with fleas, call Ehrlich today at 800-837-5520.
Fleas are tiny pests, but their habits can make them hard to control once they get inside. Knowing where fleas live, what they feed on, and how they develop helps explain why infestations can spread quickly and why treatment often takes more than one visit.
Fleas usually live on animal hosts, such as dogs, cats, and wildlife, but they do not stay there all the time. They thrive in warm, humid areas and are attracted to heat and carbon dioxide from nearby hosts.
Eggs, larvae, and pupae often fall into carpets, rugs, pet bedding, upholstery, and cracks in floors. Outdoors, fleas can live in shaded areas where pets rest, including under decks, porches, and along fence lines.
Adult fleas feed on blood from animals and, in some cases, people. This blood meal allows them to survive and reproduce. Flea larvae do not bite; instead, they feed on organic debris, including dried blood left behind by adult fleas in carpets and bedding.
Female fleas can lay up to 50 eggs per day, rapidly expanding the flea population in your home. Fleas can reproduce year-round if conditions are favorable, so timely control measures are critical to prevent infestation.
Fleas are highly resilient and can survive for extended periods without a host. They are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide and often jump onto animals or people when they sense a potential host nearby. Fleas are strong jumpers and can move easily between hosts and indoor spaces. They are most active where pets spend time and tend to hide deep in fabrics and flooring. Because much of their life cycle happens off the host, flea problems often persist without a thorough, well-timed control plan.
Common signs of fleas include itchy bites, “flea dirt” (black specks), visible adult fleas, and excessive pet scratching.
Ehrlich technicians work hard to keep your home pest-free.
Flea control is essential to safeguard both pets and humans from the various health risks associated with these pests. Fleas are not just a nuisance; they are external parasites capable of spreading diseases and triggering severe allergic reactions, including flea allergy dermatitis in pets. Effective flea control protects your home environment, reduces the risk of infestation, and keeps your pets healthy. For professional assistance, consider our flea pest control services to help eliminate and prevent fleas effectively.
Fleas are diverse, and understanding the various species helps with effective control. The following are some common species of fleas found in homes and on pets.
Cat fleas are one of the most common flea species, infesting both cats and dogs. These wingless, reddish-brown fleas, typically 1-3 mm long, cause discomfort through bites and can transmit tapeworms and cause flea allergy dermatitis. Thriving in warm, humid conditions, cat fleas are especially active in warmer months, making consistent pest control crucial.
Although fleas do not have wings, they have incredibly powerful elongated legs. These allow them to jump long distances and move easily between you and your pets, leaving behind itchy bites. Successful flea control requires treatment of both your property and your pets if you have them.
At Ehrlich, we offer safe, effective treatments for your home or business to ensure complete control of your infestation. Our expert local exterminators understand the habits of flea species ensuring targeted treatments to get rid of all your fleas.
Learn about the different diseases that can be transmitted by fleas
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Learn how Ehrlich's home pest control services can protect your residence
Fleas are tiny, typically ranging from 1 to 4 mm in length. Their small, flat bodies make it easy for them to navigate through fur or carpeting undetected.
An adult flea's lifespan can vary depending on environmental conditions but typically ranges from two weeks to several months. Fleas in the pupal stage can remain dormant for months and await favorable conditions.
Fleas are blood-feeding parasites, relying on blood from animals or humans. Adult fleas feed on the host’s blood, while flea larvae typically consume the feces excreted by adults as well as dried blood.
Adult fleas are wingless, reddish-brown, and have flat, narrow bodies that allow them to move quickly through animal fur. Their hind legs are strong, enabling them to jump long distances relative to their size.
Fleas often hitch a ride on your pet, rodents, or wildlife that make their way into or near your homeEffective prevention and professional pest control can help reduce the likelihood of fleas entering your home.
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