Flea Identification & Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions About Fleas

What are fleas?

Fleas are insects that survive by feeding on the blood of animals and, if we are available, people.

Here is a quick overview of their unique lifecycle:

• Adult fleas mate on their hosts; after the female lays her eggs, the eggs will roll off the host onto the ground below. 
• After hatching from their eggs, the flea larvae feed for five to twenty days until they are ready to spin a cocoon. 
• After developing for several days or weeks, adults emerge from their cocoon after sensing a host is present; usually, a host's movements or body heat alerts them. 
• Adult fleas use their powerful back legs to jump onto their hosts, where they immediately begin to feed, breed, and continue their lifecycle. 

We identify these wingless insects by their tiny oval body flattened from side to side. Adults live their lives on their animal hosts and use their six spine-covered legs to move through the fur. Their back pair of legs are stronger and bigger than the rest, providing them with the ability to jump, which these insects are well known for.

Are fleas dangerous?

Fleas pose health risks to people and animals and are dangerous in our yards and homes. Fleas typically spread disease one of two ways: through their feeding process or by coming into contact with their feces. Diseases fleas spread to humans include tularemia and murine typhus; luckily, the spread of disease to humans by fleas isn't a huge concern in the U.S. However, fleas can transmit tapeworms and cause anemia in pets.

The biggest concern regarding fleas is their ability to take over our properties in large numbers and the itchy bites they deliver. Most people and animals are allergic to flea saliva and develop red itchy rashes around the bite sites. Excessive itching at flea bites can lead to scabbing, scarring, and secondary infections.

Why do I have a flea problem?

Fleas are external parasites that live on the bodies of their animal hosts, moving wherever they take them. The more attractive your yard or home is to wild animals, the more likely fleas will become a problem on your property. When fleas are in your yard, it is only a matter of time before your family or pets come into contact with them and they are unintentionally brought into your home.

Fleas can enter our homes on secondhand rugs or upholstered furniture infested with fleas or their eggs. They are also regularly introduced into houses carried in by rodents or other wild animals using your home as a nesting or foraging site.

Where will I find fleas?

Fleas live wherever their animal hosts live. After flea eggs fall to the ground from their animal host, they develop best in damp, dark areas. Our grassy backyards, parks, campgrounds, and wooded areas are all places that house large populations of fleas.

When fleas are introduced into our homes, they are found in many places, including:

• On animal hosts (your pets or invading rodents or wild animals)
• Areas in your home where pets sleep and spend a lot of time
• Inside upholstered furniture or bedding
• Rugs
• Spaces behind baseboards

Though fleas are not social insects like ants or wasps, they invade our spaces in large numbers. If you spot one or two fleas on your property, there are many more that you aren't seeing. At any sign of fleas, immediately reach out to a professional.

How do I get rid of fleas?

The best way to get rid of fleas quickly and completely is with the help of the professionals at Arab Termite and Pest. We are the best choice to provide reliable pest control services in Cincinnati to eliminate unwanted fleas and prevent their return.

We are dedicated to providing our customers with the latest and most reliable pest control techniques. There is no better choice for flea and home pest control than what we provide. Call today to learn more about our commitment to your unique pest control needs and your family's safety.

How can I prevent fleas in the future?

Implement the following tips to prevent a flea infestation from taking over your property.

• Thoroughly and regularly vacuum rugs and upholstered furniture.
• Implement regular pest control services to keep rodents out of your home.
• Mow frequently to expose the soil to the sun and dry out flea eggs.
• Remove leaves and other yard debris from your property that offers harborage sites for fleas.
• If you own pets, ensure they are on a year-round flea control program.
• Keep wild animals and wandering pets away from your yard by removing bird feeders, picking up uneaten pet food, and keeping lids on trash cans and compost bins.

For more information about our flea control services for your business or home, reach out today!