Fleas

What do fleas look like?

Fleas are wingless insects that measure between 0.0625 to 0.125 of an inch in length. They are taller than they are wide, dark reddish brown, and have comblike appendages that help them move quickly and easily through fur or hair. When you search for fleas on your pet, you might only catch a glimpse as they hide quickly. If you find them on the floor, you’ll know they’re fleas when they spring up at you to cling to your legs and bite you.

What do flea bites look like?

Flea bites have a few visual characteristics. If you’re not seeing the fleas themselves, use these facts to consider whether or not you have a flea infestation.

• Flea bites are often inflamed and itchy.
• Bites are likely to have scabs due to scratching the wounds.
• Flea bites typically show up in the lower legs, ankles, and feet. 
• When fleas bite, there are usually numerous bites.

You shouldn’t need this list because fleas aren’t hard-to-detect pests. If you have an infestation, you’re likely to know it.

What do fleas eat? 

Adult fleas feed on blood. They prefer the blood of dogs and cats but will readily bite humans for a blood meal. Larvae are unable to bite humans or pets. They feed on flea dirt, which is the excrement of adult fleas.

Where do fleas live?

Fleas live on a host animal once they develop into adults. Baby fleas may not. The larvae of fleas look like worms and live in areas where pests bed down. Inspect the following locations for the presence of adult fleas, larvae, eggs, or flea dirt:

• On pet beds
• On the blankets laid on couches, chairs, or beds
• On or in upholstered furniture
• In carpets

You may also find them in humid locations, such as bathrooms attached to bedrooms. They move from bedrooms to bathrooms when they detect high humidity.

Are fleas harmful?

Yes. Fleas can cause harm to dogs, cats, and humans. It is essential to learn the extent of the harm they can cause by visiting CDC web pages.

• Flea bites can turn into open wounds and become infected.
• Ongoing flea bites can cause pets to become anemic.
• Fleas cause dogs and cats to get tapeworms.
• Fleas can carry Bartonella bacteria, which can cause medical symptoms for pets and humans.
• Fleas can cause dermatitis, resulting in hair loss and damage to the skin of dogs and cats.
• Fleas can transmit diseases to humans, such as typhus, cat scratch disease, spotted fever, and more.

The CDC provides information regarding symptoms and medical treatment. For information about flea control, contact Termio Pest Control. 

How can I tell if I have fleas?

The first step is to check your pets using a flea comb routinely. If your pet has fleas, you’ll detect flea dirt, which looks like specks of black pepper. If fleas have infested your home, you may see them springing up from the floors or furniture.

How do fleas get into homes?

Fleas hitch rides indoors on dogs and cats. While rodents can bring fleas indoors, the kind of fleas they carry may not transfer readily to dogs and cats. 

What attracts fleas?

Flea attractants are not a concern as fleas don’t spring into yards or spring through open doors into homes. They are carried into yards by wildlife and taken inside by domesticated animals. Of course, fleas can also jump through open doors, so even homes without pets can develop infestations. 

Can I have a flea problem even though I don’t have pets?

Yes. It is possible to have a flea infestation without a pet. When friends with pets visit, they may inadvertently leave fleas, flea eggs, and flea dirt behind. As mentioned above, fleas can also enter homes under their own steam. It is also possible to have a flea problem that arises from a mouse or rat infestation. Fleas can complete their life cycle indoors and feed on human blood for survival. 

How do I get rid of fleas in my home?

If you need help eliminating fleas in the Phoenix area, contact Termio Pest Control. Our local pest control specialists are ready to inspect and treat your flea problem! 

How can I prevent fleas?

There is a simple strategy for preventing fleas. Here’s how it works:

Remove wildlife attractants

• Keep trash receptacles covered and put something heavy on the lid if you have animals lifting the covers off.
• Remove bird feeders.
• Clean up nuts or fruit that fall from trees.
• Protect fruits or vegetables in your yard.

Limit animal harborage

• Trim landscape vegetation to remove hiding places where animals may bed down.
• Remove junk piles near your home.
• Apply fencing material to keep animals from getting underneath decks, stairs, sheds, and other structures.

Treat your pets

Talk to your veterinarian about the best flea preventative for your pets. We also suggest routinely checking pets with a flea comb. 

Your Termio Pest Control service team can help you with flea prevention. We offer yard treatments to address fleas that attempt to hide near your home. Contact us for assistance.