Fleas In Missouri: How to get the jump on them before they do
Introduction
We love our four leg friends, whether that’s your cat or your dog. However, some of the things they bring into our home can be dirty and gross. One of the worst offenders are fleas!
Fleas are wingless insects that belong to the order Siphonaptera. They are ectoparasites that feed on warm-blooded animals by biting and sucking their blood. While there are over 2,500 species of fleas, only three are of a major concern to us in Missouri.
Cat fleas, dog fleas, and human fleas can all bite humans, but just because a cat flea is called a cat flea, doesn’t necessarily mean it always lives on cats. Most fleas that dogs get are actually cat fleas!
Whether you're dealing with an infestation or looking to prevent one, understanding fleas is crucial for effective management. This article will provide you with essential information on identifying fleas, their life cycle, and strategies for prevention and control.
Identification and Life Cycle
Identification
Fleas are small, wingless insects that are typically brownish-black to reddish-black in color. Adult fleas have a flattened body that allows them to move easily through the fur of their hosts. They are known for their strong hind legs, which enable them to jump long distances relative to their size. The can often jump over 100 times their body length.
Flea bites can cause itching and discomfort, for both humans and pets. Pets can bring fleas inside that will then infest carpets and bedding.
Life Cycle
The flea life cycle consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Flea eggs are tiny, white, and oval. They are usually found on the host, but they can fall off into pet beds or carpeting too. The eggs hatch into these worm-like creatures that feed on organic matter, like skin cells or adult flea feces. Flea larvae are sensitive to light and will burrow deep into carpet fibers, cracks in the floor, or other protected areas.
After the larval stage, fleas spin a silken cocoon and enter the pupal stage. The pupae can remain dormant for weeks or even months, waiting for the right conditions to emerge as adults. Vibrations, warmth, and carbon dioxide can stimulate the emergence of adult fleas from the pupal stage.
Adult fleas emerge from their cocoons when they sense a potential host nearby. They immediately seek out a host for a blood meal, which is essential for their survival and reproduction. Adult fleas can live for several weeks to months, depending on how much food is available.
Prevention and Control Strategies
Keeping fleas off your pets will do a huge part in keeping fleas out of your home. It’s more than just looking for adults, but instead, preventing any of the four life stages from making your home theirs.
Here are a few ways to prevent a flea infestation:
Flea Treatments: Use veterinarian-recommended flea treatments such as topical solutions, oral medications, or flea collars regularly. These treatments help kill adult fleas and disrupt their life cycle.
Frequent Grooming: Brush your pets regularly with a flea comb to remove fleas and flea dirt. Bathe your pets with flea shampoo if you start noticing fleas on your pet.
Clean Bedding: Wash your pet’s bedding frequently in hot water to kill any fleas or eggs that may be present.
Vacuuming: Frequent vacuuming can pickup any eggs, larvae or adults that might be hiding in the carpet. Just remember to dispose of the vacuumed contents away from your house. Those fleas can jump right out again!
Wash Fabrics: Wash your bedding, curtains, and pet items in hot water to eliminate fleas and their eggs.
Reduce Outdoor Habitats: Keep your lawn trimmed and remove debris where fleas can breed. Fleas thrive in shady, moist areas, so focus on these spots in your yard. Reducing your pet’s time outdoors can also be helpful.
Keep Wildlife at Bay: Prevent wild animals, like raccoons or rodents, from entering your yard, as they too can carry fleas.
If you suspect that you have an infestation already in your home, you might want to consider calling a professional pest control company to get rid of your problem faster than what you could do by yourself and they can use the right products in the best ways for success.
FAQs
Can fleas fly?
No, fleas don’t have any wings at all, so they can’t fly. However, they can jump extremely far for their small size.
Will fleas live on humans or in our hair?
Fleas prefer to live on animals with thick fur, where they can easily hide and avoid detection. They may transfer to a human host temporarily, but usually when no other food is available.
Is it bad to be bit by a flea?
Flea bites can be uncomfortable and irritating but are generally not dangerous to most people. A flea bite appears as a small, red, itchy bump, often surrounded by a ring of red. Scratching the bite can lead to secondary infections, so it’s important not to scratch it. Some people may have allergic reactions to flea bites, which can cause more severe itching, swelling, and even hives.
In rare cases, fleas can transmit diseases to humans, such as murine typhus or, historically, the plague. However, it’s pretty rare today, especially in the US. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms if accidentally eaten.
Why Choose Pest Pro Solutions
Calling a professional pest control company can sometimes feel a little unnerving. At Pest Pro Solutions, we make pest control easy and convenient for you. Our professional team of experts has the knowledge and skills to keep fleas away from your home.
Whether you need an inspection, monitoring, or effective treatments, you’re just a call away from getting a pest-free home.
Get in touch with us today for a free consultation!
