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Fleas

Information on Fleas from PSU, your pest control experts

Fleas are small, wingless insects that belong to the order Siphonaptera. They are external parasites that primarily feed on the blood of mammals and birds. Here are some key characteristics and facts about fleas:

Flea Characteristics:

Size and Appearance of Fleas:

Fleas are typically 1 to 3 mm long.

They have a flattened body, allowing them to move easily through the fur or feathers of their hosts.

Fleas have long hind legs adapted for jumping, enabling them to leap significant distances relative to their body size.

Life Cycle of Fleas:

Eggs: Fleas lay eggs that fall off the host into the environment, such as carpets, bedding, or soil.

Larvae: The eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on organic matter, including adult flea feces.

Pupae: Larvae develop into pupae, where they can remain dormant for weeks or months until they sense a host nearby.

Adults: Once they sense a host (through heat, carbon dioxide, etc.), they emerge as adults to feed and reproduce.

Diet of Fleas:

Fleas are blood-feeding parasites, requiring blood to survive and reproduce. They can consume several times their body weight in blood.

Flea bites generally cause the skin to raise, swell, and itch. The bite site has a single puncture point in the center. Bites often appear in clusters or small rows and can remain inflamed for up to several weeks.

Flea prevention and removal advice:

Fleas can transmit infectious diseases from one host to another and were historically known as carriers of the plague!  Today’s fleas are better known as pests that cause irritation and itching.  The most serious aspect of a flea infestation is often the time and effort it takes to remove. Here are some tips for preventing or managing fleas:

Treat pets regularly:

Use vet-recommended flea treatments regularly.

Bathe pets with flea shampoo, ensuring to follow product instructions.

Monitor pets regularly for signs of fleas, such as excessive scratching or biting.

Vacuum and clean:

Regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture to remove fleas and eggs.

Wash pet bedding and any fabrics in hot water.

Fleas are small, wingless insects that belong to the order Siphonaptera. They are external parasites that primarily feed on the blood of mammals and birds. Here are some key characteristics and facts about fleas:

Flea Characteristics:

Size and Appearance of Fleas:

Fleas are typically 1 to 3 mm long.

They have a flattened body, allowing them to move easily through the fur or feathers of their hosts.

Fleas have long hind legs adapted for jumping, enabling them to leap significant distances relative to their body size.

Life Cycle of Fleas:

Eggs: Fleas lay eggs that fall off the host into the environment, such as carpets, bedding, or soil.

Larvae: The eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on organic matter, including adult flea feces.

Pupae: Larvae develop into pupae, where they can remain dormant for weeks or months until they sense a host nearby.

Adults: Once they sense a host (through heat, carbon dioxide, etc.), they emerge as adults to feed and reproduce.

Diet of Fleas:

Fleas are blood-feeding parasites, requiring blood to survive and reproduce. They can consume several times their body weight in blood.

Flea bites generally cause the skin to raise, swell, and itch. The bite site has a single puncture point in the center. Bites often appear in clusters or small rows and can remain inflamed for up to several weeks.

Flea prevention and removal advice:

Fleas can transmit infectious diseases from one host to another and were historically known as carriers of the plague!  Today’s fleas are better known as pests that cause irritation and itching.  The most serious aspect of a flea infestation is often the time and effort it takes to remove. Here are some tips for preventing or managing fleas:

Treat pets regularly:

Use vet-recommended flea treatments regularly.

Bathe pets with flea shampoo, ensuring to follow product instructions.

Monitor pets regularly for signs of fleas, such as excessive scratching or biting.

Vacuum and clean:

Regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture to remove fleas and eggs.

Wash pet bedding and any fabrics in hot water.

Flea infestations can be managed effectively with consistent treatment and preventive measures. By maintaining good hygiene for both pets and the home, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of fleas becoming a problem in your household. If infestations persist, consider consulting a PSU for a free quote. Our pest control technicians are qualified experts that will inspect and implement a guaranteed flea control program to protect your home or building and advise how to reduce problems in the future.

Flea infestations can be managed effectively with consistent treatment and preventive measures. By maintaining good hygiene for both pets and the home, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of fleas becoming a problem in your household. If infestations persist, consider consulting a PSU for a free quote. Our pest control technicians are qualified experts that will inspect and implement a guaranteed flea control program to protect your home or building and advise how to reduce problems in the future.