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Are You Struggling To Kill Fleas Around Your Redding Property?


June 30, 2022

At first, you might not even realize that you have fleas. Their bites are small and easy to miss. But, if you have more than a few flea bites, they can become very itchy and uncomfortable. And, of course, if you scratch them too much, they can become infected.

close up of flea

That's why it's crucial to take care of the problem as soon as you realize that you have them. Fleas can be a real pain to get rid of, but it's doable with the help of professional pest control in Redding. We'll come into your home and assess the situation. Then, we'll formulate a plan to get rid of the fleas.

Fleas - Types, Facts, And How To Identify

There are an estimated 2500 types of fleas globally, with 300 calling the United States their home. However, the most common species in Redding are the cat flea, the dog flea, and the human flea. 

Adult fleas are tiny parasitic insects that live on the blood of their hosts - cats, dogs, and humans. They can jump up to 13 inches high or 200 times their body length. These pests can be found in nearly all habitats but prefer warm and humid areas. Fleas transmit many deadly diseases, including:

  • Plague
  • Typhus and tapeworms
  • Tungiasis
  • Tularemia

These pests can cause a lot of misery for their hosts by transmitting harmful bacteria and viruses. In addition, they can also lead to:

  • Skin irritation
  • Hair loss
  • Anemia

The easiest way to check for fleas is to look for:

  • Tiny, dark insects: Check your pet's fur for small, dark insects. These are most likely fleas.
  • Flea dirt: Take a look at your pet's bedding or anywhere else they spend a lot of time. If you see small, dark dots that look like pepper, this is probably flea dirt.
  • Excessive itching and scratching: If your pet excessively scratches or bites themselves, they may have fleas.

If you suspect that you have a flea infestation in your home, it's best to call a professional pest control company for help. We'll assess the situation and formulate the best plan to remove the fleas.

The Lifecycle Of The Common Flea

The common flea has four distinct stages in its lifecycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Depending on the temperature and humidity levels, the entire process can take as little as two weeks or as much as eight months.

  • Eggs. Flea eggs are white and oval-shaped. They're less than one millimeter long and are typically laid on the host's body.
  • Larvae. Flea larvae are small, worm-like creatures that are white or cream-colored and have no legs.
  • Pupae. Flea pupae are in cocoons that protect them as they transform into adults. They're about 1/10 of an inch long and are brown or tan.
  • Adults. Adult fleas are small, wingless insects that measure about 1/8 of an inch in length. They're dark brown or black and have a flattened body.

The flea lifecycle is relatively short, so it's essential to take care of the problem as soon as you realize you have them. With the help of a flea exterminator, you can get rid of these pests and protect your family and pets from deadly flea diseases.

Three Reasons Fleas Are So Hard To Eliminate

Fleas are notoriously difficult to get rid of because they have three characteristics that make them very resilient:

  1. They can lay eggs up to 50 eggs a day.
  2. The larvae can survive for months without food.
  3. The pupae can remain dormant for weeks or even months.
  4. These factors make it very difficult to exterminate fleas from your home completely. However, with the help of a pest control professional, you can get rid of them for good.

Control, Extermination & Prevention Of Fleas

Once eradicated, you can implement natural solutions such as using essential oils to kill fleas and regular pest control maintenance to ensure they don't come back.

Here at Redding Spray Service, we've offered professional pest control services to the Redding community since 1989. We're NPMA certified and use only the latest, most effective methods to get rid of fleas and other pests.

Don't let these pesky pests ruin your home - instead, call us for all your flea control needs. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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