Flea control: When flea collars are no longer an option

In March of 2021, a report linking nearly 1,700 pet deaths to a popular brand of flea collar reached millions of pet owners and consumers. As a result, consumers started to seek out alternative flea solutions for protecting their pets against flea bites, and their homes from flea infestations. 

The flea season is underway and it’s only going to get worse which makes finding an effective flea control solution – that works – all the more important.

What pet owners should know about fleas

Because of their minuscule size (1.5 to 3.2 mm long) and ability to quickly reproduce, fleas can be very difficult to eliminate. They are typically brown fleas, making them hard to spot on pets with darker fur. However, defeat by fleas is never an option. Ehrlich’s experts specialize in professional flea removal solutions that are guaranteed to work without ever touching your pet’s skin.

Why are fleas in my yard and house?

Fleas are easily introduced into people’s yards by animal hosts. Squirrels, mice, raccoons, coyotes, foxes, rats, chipmunks, opossums, feral cats, and more will carry fleas. These fleas will lay eggs that fall off as the host itches or moves about. Once in your yard, the eggs will hatch. When you or your pet go in your yard, the fleas will hop on and hitchhike back into your home with you where the reproduction cycle will continue.

Implementing a flea control program that targets fleas in your yard, as well as your home, will help to eliminate infestations and itchy flea bites.

Are fleas active year-round?

Fleas thrive in temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on where you live, this could mean you’ll experience flea activity year-round. For the majority of states, flea activity picks up in the spring as temperatures rise and slows down in the fall as temperatures decrease.

Starting a flea treatment program early in the year will help to reduce flea populations in and around your home.

How long does it take for a female flea to lay eggs?

A female flea cannot lay eggs until she has had a blood meal. Once she does, she can lay eggs within 48 hours. If she has regular access to blood meals, she can lay up to 5 eggs after each feeding, and up to 50 eggs in one day. The entire life cycle of a flea – from egg to adult – takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks. And, on average, adult fleas live 2 to 3 months. 

Because of their rapid reproduction rate, the sooner you address a flea problem, the better.

Can fleas transmit diseases?

Fleas can transmit diseases to your pets and to you. Commonly known diseases such as tapeworms, dermatitis, or plague (although it’s very rare), can be costly to treat and pose some health issues. Although there are always going to be some risks when it comes to flea treatments for your pets, even those approved by your vet, some believe the benefits may outweigh the risks.

Where should I look for fleas?

Areas where your pet sleeps, eats, and spends time lounging are some of the first places you should check for fleas. Wherever pets tend to spend the most amount of time – inside or out – are often hotspots for flea activity. Couches, pet beds, chairs, blankets, and area rugs should all be inspected for fleas.

What can I do to prevent fleas from spreading?

Prevention and treatment is key to keeping fleas from spreading. For the most effective results, all of the following tips should be done in conjunction. If you don’t, you could end up with untreated areas where fleas can continue to reproduce and spread. 

• Vacuum

• Launder pet beds and blankets

• Bathe pets with a flea shampoo

• Talk to your vet about flea prevention

• Reduce temperatures inside your home

• Schedule flea control treatments for your yard and house

Travel tip! Avoid hitchhiking fleas.

Sometimes pet-friendly lodging options can harbor fleas. To be safe, check your pet for fleas before you head back home.

Professional flea control solutions

Sometimes DIY home remedies work well. At other times, it’s as if you poured gasoline on a fire and the problem just gets worse. In the case of fleas, it could go either way. If your initial attempts to treat fleas are unsuccessful, you could quickly end up with a full-blown flea infestation. Additionally, some treatments only address adult fleas, leaving eggs and larvae the opportunity to thrive. It’s important to make sure that flea treatments address all the life stages of a flea.

When in doubt, consult a professional pest control provider. Ehrlich has nearly 100 years of pest control experience, providing effective and guaranteed flea control solutions for commercial and residential customers. We also offer a year-round pest control plan that will protect you and your property from over 36 common pests, including fleas. Learn more about PestFree365+, and give us a call at  888-984-0186 or contact us to schedule a free inspection.