Fleas are one of the most frustrating pests homeowners can face. These tiny parasites are notorious for their rapid reproduction and ability to remain hidden until the infestation is severe. For both homeowners and pest control professionals, fleas can be a serious challenge that requires a combination of strategies to successfully eliminate.
Understanding the Flea Life Cycle
The first step in controlling fleas is understanding how they multiply. Fleas typically lay their eggs on the fur of animals—often our beloved family pets. Female fleas can lay between 25 and 40 eggs per day, totaling up to 200 eggs over their lifetime. These eggs aren’t sticky and easily fall off pets, settling into carpets, bedding, and furniture.
Under warm and humid conditions, flea eggs can hatch in as little as 2 to 5 days. Cooler, drier environments slow this process down. Once hatched, flea larvae feed on organic debris—specifically the dried blood and feces left behind by adult fleas, commonly known as flea dirt.
The most common flea species homeowners encounter is the cat flea. These fleas pass through three larval stages before becoming adults. On average, flea larvae develop over 7 to 14 days, with pupae taking about 1 to 2 weeks to mature into biting adults.
Why Fleas Are More Than Just a Nuisance
Fleas aren’t just irritating—they can also pose real health risks to both pets and people. Fleas are known carriers of harmful parasites and diseases, including:
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Dog tapeworm
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Murine typhus
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Cat scratch disease
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Plague
Because fleas can spread these illnesses, effective flea control is critical to protecting your family’s health.
Flea Control Starts With the Source
In most cases, the family pet is the primary source of a flea infestation. It’s essential to work with your veterinarian or a trusted pet care professional for cat or dog flea treatment. Whether it’s shampoos, topical treatments, collars, or oral medications, the right solution for your pet should always come from a professional’s recommendation.
While treating your pets, don’t overlook your home. Daily vacuuming is key to removing flea eggs and larvae and can even encourage flea pupae to emerge sooner, making them easier to eliminate. Be sure to dispose of vacuum bags or empty canisters outside of the home to prevent re-infestation.
Additionally:
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Wash pet bedding frequently.
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Clean areas where your pets spend time.
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Consider using flea traps made from dish soap and water to help monitor and reduce flea populations.
Some homeowners explore natural remedies like diatomaceous earth, salt, and baking soda to help control fleas, though results can vary. Essential oils are sometimes used to repel fleas, but their effectiveness is still widely debated and should be used with caution as a form of dog or cat flea control.
Don’t Forget About Wildlife
Sometimes, fleas enter the home via animals like raccoons, squirrels, or rodents that make their way into attics, crawlspaces, or basements. Sealing potential entry points around your home is a critical step in preventing flea infestations from recurring.
Professional Flea Control
At Viking Pest Control, we understand that every flea problem is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Our team offers customized flea control treatments for both the interior and exterior of your home to address your specific situation.
It’s important to remember that before any professional flea treatment begins, your pets should be treated first by a veterinarian or pet care expert. Without addressing the source, flea problems will persist no matter how many treatments are applied to your home.
If you're struggling with how to get rid of fleas that just won’t go away, Viking Pest Control is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and create a flea control plan tailored to your home and family.
