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The very thought of fleas in the home is enough to make most people’s skin crawl, but it can happen through no fault of your own. Pets can pick up fleas from other animals or places and give them a ride home, so it is important to know how to spot and identify the signs of fleas. Once they arrive, you’ll want to get rid of them fast, while ensuring that your preferred method of treatment is completely safe for your family and pets.
Spotting fleas early helps prevent a larger infestation. Fleas are tiny, dark brown insects, often seen as little specks jumping around. Here are some common signs:
Fleas can cause significant discomfort for pets, leading to noticeable changes in their behavior and health. One of the most apparent signs is excessive scratching, as flea bites irritate the skin, sometimes resulting in scabs or hair loss. You may also notice small black specks, known as flea dirt, in your pet’s fur or bedding—these are flea feces and can be confirmed by placing them in soapy water, where they turn reddish-brown.
Additionally, fleas can transmit tapeworm larvae, which pets may ingest while grooming, potentially causing further health complications. Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial for preventing more severe infestations.
If you're struggling to manage a flea infestation or need professional help, contact Ehrlich pest control for expert assistance in protecting your pets and home.
There are several things you can do to prevent or get rid of fleas on dogs or cats if you catch the problem early enough. Here’s our to-do list to keep your home safe:
Vacuuming carpets, rugs, and furniture can remove fleas, eggs, and larvae. Be sure to vacuum daily during an infestation and empty the vacuum bag in the outside trash.
For severe infestations, consider using a flea fogger or flea spray containing an insecticide designed to kill fleas. Ensure these products are pet-safe, or leave the house temporarily after treatment.
Flea eggs and larvae can hide in your pet’s bedding. To kill these pests, wash all bedding and blankets regularly in hot water.
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on carpets and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming. This natural repellent kills fleas by dehydrating them.
If your pet has fleas, consult your vet to determine the most appropriate treatment. Topical options are applied to the skin and spread through natural oils to kill fleas on contact, while oral treatments work through the bloodstream to eliminate fleas when they bite. Your vet can recommend the safest and most effective method based on your pet’s needs.
If you still have trouble getting rid of fleas, call Ehrlich's exterminators at 866-391-4735 to arrange an appointment.
Treating fleas directly on your pet is essential to breaking the flea life cycle. Here are the best ways to help your pet.
There are various flea treatments available, including flea collars, flea shampoos, and flea sprays, as well as the topical and oral treatments discussed above. Each option has pros and cons depending on your pet’s needs, and your vet can guide you on the most suitable products.
Regular grooming and combing with a flea comb can help remove fleas and flea dirt. Use a comb with fine teeth, dip it in soapy water to trap fleas, and check your pet’s coat daily during an infestation.
It’s best to ask your vet about flea control options, such as flea powders or sprays that offer quick relief. Options may include both chemical treatments or natural repellents.
If fleas keep reappearing, there may be flea eggs hatching or new fleas being introduced from outside. Here’s how to prevent them:
To help keep fleas at bay and protect your home and pets, consider implementing the following preventive measures:
DIY flea control methods may work well for smaller infestations, but larger infestations typically require expert help. DIY flea treatments may not always work as effectively as professional help because they often fail to target the entire life cycle of fleas, leaving behind eggs and larvae that can continue to reproduce, whereas professional pest control services utilize specialized products and techniques that are more comprehensive and reliable.
If fleas persist despite your best DIY efforts or the use of natural home remedies for fleas, it may be time to consider our professional help. Fleas have a rapid life cycle, with eggs, larvae, and adult stages often overlapping in a household infestation. Even if you manage to kill adult fleas, eggs and larvae can remain hidden, leading to a new outbreak in a matter of days. This is where flea control expert services can make a significant difference.
Our professional pest control specialists are trained to identify and treat flea infestations thoroughly, using tools and methods that go beyond typical store-bought flea products. Here’s how a professional service can benefit your home:
DIY flea treatments offer a more affordable and accessible solution for managing small infestations, but they also come with limitations. While they can be effective in the early stages, it's essential to consider the potential downsides, especially when dealing with larger or persistent flea problems. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide whether DIY flea treatments suit you.
Pros:
Cons:
If the fleas keep coming back, or you want to ensure complete removal, contact our experts.
Once they get inside a home or apartment, fleas can become an infestation that spreads quickly. Cities like New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Atlanta can see infestations inside buildings become serious.
Our expert, local flea exterminators know exactly what to do when it comes to getting rid of fleas in your home. They understand the habits of different types of flea species and can offer the most appropriate and effective solution. It goes without saying that all our treatments are safe for your family and pets.
Call Ehrlich at 866-391-4735, and we’ll arrange an appointment to get rid of fleas from your home.
Yes, fleas can be challenging to eliminate because they reproduce quickly, laying eggs that are hard to spot. Their life cycle includes eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults, making it essential to target all stages to prevent re-infestation. Fleas can hide in carpets, bedding, and furniture, so thorough treatment is necessary.
For immediate results, flea sprays and flea foggers designed for indoor use are effective at killing adult fleas quickly. Additionally, some insecticides provide instant relief by targeting active fleas on contact. However, for comprehensive control, it’s essential to also address flea eggs and larvae to prevent further infestations.
Yes, you can manage a flea infestation with DIY treatments, such as vacuuming, washing pet bedding in hot water, and using flea sprays, flea collars, and diatomaceous earth. However, professional extermination is often more effective for severe infestations or recurring issues, as it ensures thorough treatment across all flea life cycle stages.
To remove fleas from skin and hair, wash thoroughly with soapy water or use a mild flea shampoo if needed. Fleas generally prefer pets but may bite humans if infestations are severe. Wearing long clothing and using insect repellents can help prevent bites until the infestation is resolved.