Flea Extermination

Identification & Behavior

Fleas are tiny, wingless parasites that survive by consuming the blood of warm-blooded hosts. They are incredibly agile, capable of jumping up to 8 inches vertically. While usually brought into the home by a dog or cat returning from the outdoors, they can also easily hitch a ride on human clothing or be introduced by mice or wildlife living in your crawlspace.

The biggest challenge with fleas is their reproductive speed. A single adult female can lay up to 50 eggs a day. These eggs fall off the host (your pet) and settle deep into your carpets, furniture upholstery, and pet bedding, hatching into larvae in just a few days.

Bites & Health Risks

Fleas don't just affect pets; once established indoors, they will readily bite humans, particularly around the ankles and lower legs.

• Allergic Reactions: Flea saliva can trigger Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) in both pets and humans, leading to intense itching, hair loss in pets, and potential secondary skin infections from scratching.
• Tapeworms: If a pet (or a small child) accidentally swallows an infected flea while grooming or playing on the floor, the flea can transmit tapeworms directly into the digestive tract.
• Anemia: In severe infestations, especially involving kittens, puppies, or elderly pets, the sheer volume of blood loss from hundreds of bites can lead to life-threatening anemia.