In Bensalem, fleas are a concern for property owners whether they own pets or not. This is because although pets are most frequently hosts for fleas, it is possible for these pests to take meals from human hosts too.
Fleas may establish themselves in landscaping or yards. Also found in residential, commercial and industrial buildings, it can be difficult to get a handle on flea infestations once they get started. Property owners who attempt to control the pests by themselves are in for an uphill battle. Fleas are quite adept at evading only the most robust and comprehensive control practices.
Why are fleas such a problem? In part, this is because they are external parasites. They bite animals and humans to eat their blood. Regular blood meals ensure that the fleas can reproduce. This means that the typical flea infestation involves not only adults but also eggs, pupae and larvae.
When people take appropriate action at the first sign of an infestation, fleas are easier to control. This is because there are not as many fleas, and they probably have not had a sufficient opportunity to produce young.
Acting fast is critical, because fleas have short, rapid reproductive cycles. Once situated on a host, the flea immediately feeds. Dozens of eggs may be laid within hours of feeding and mating. With the ability to lay 50 eggs in a day, it is easy to see how the situation gets out of hand.
The best way to control species such as the human flea, dog flea and cat flea is to take a multi-pronged approach. Pets can receive preventative treatments from the vet, and it similarly is possible for them to receive veterinary care for existing flea problems.
It is just as imperative that property owners request professional services when it comes to eliminating fleas from landscaping and buildings. With comprehensive treatment measures, it is possible to put a swift end to flea infestations.
WHAT DO FLEAS LOOK LIKE?
These pests are minuscule external parasites that are designed to conceal themselves in an animal's fur. They do not have wings, so they rely on their legs to move. Fortunately for these pests, their six legs are capable of remarkable speed.
As their name suggests, human fleas like to use people as hosts. However, meals may be obtained from domesticated animals as well. Their overall length is between three and four millimeters. The abdomen and thorax may seem oversized when compared with the tiny head.
Dog fleas are smaller at lengths of between two and three millimeters. Dogs are their most frequent host, but this species also will take blood meals from a variety of domesticated and wild animals as well as people. Five-segmented labial palps and oversized black eyes are their most distinguishing characteristics.
Among the smallest fleas in Bensalem is the cat flea. Measuring between one and three millimeters, the cat flea is adept at running and jumping thanks to its well-developed hind legs. Reddish-brown and black are common colors for cat fleas.
WHAT DO FLEAS EAT?
Fleas live on a limited diet that consists only of blood. However, they may obtain this food from a wide variety of sources even though each species has its preferred host. When human, dog and cat hosts are not available, these pests may feed on skunks, raccoons, opossums, rabbits, mice and rats. It is not unusual for fleas to consume an amount equivalent to more than 15 times their body weight in one day.
WHERE DO FLEAS LIVE?
Female fleas most frequently lay their eggs on their hosts. However, the eggs are not designed to remain there. They quickly fall from or are brushed off of the host. Falling onto upholstered furniture, rugs, floor cracks or carpets, the eggs are well-hidden so that they can continue to develop. Other places where flea eggs may be found include pet beds or peoples' beds, especially if pets commonly sleep in the same beds with their owners.
The eggs evolve into larvae. The larvae require darkness and seclusion so they safely can continue to develop. Crevices and dark, dusty corners offer the ideal habitat. Fleas in the pupae stage may be discovered in rugs, carpets or cracks in the floor. As it is only the adult flea that bites, these usually live directly on the host.
Fleas initially may be encountered in the outdoors in places whether there are piles of yard debris or in sandy soil and high grasses. Fleas require certain conditions as far as shade and humidity, so they seek places that offer shelter and dampness. Grass, particularly shady patches, may conceal many fleas. The parasites attach themselves when people or animals travel through or sit in these shady areas.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY FLEAS
Property damage typically is not a feature of flea infestations. Still, these parasites deliver annoyingly itchy bites that can drive people and pets crazy. Pets are prone to developing a condition known as flea bite dermatitis. This allergy to flea saliva can cause dogs to scratch themselves until their hair falls out and the skin bleeds. Veterinary bills may skyrocket as people try to relieve their pets' suffering.
Pets that accidentally ingest a flea are prone to another health problem. Infected fleas may give dogs and cats tapeworms. Excessive weight loss is the most obvious symptom of this condition. Once again, pet owners can expect expensive vet bills when these problems are present.
ARE FLEAS AGGRESSIVE?
Even a single flea is aggressive, considering the pest's voracious appetite for blood. Given their propensity for rapidly reproducing, it is clear that this is an aggressive species. Eggs constantly are being laid, and the infestation will continue until assertive steps are taken to address it. Suffering from countless itchy bites is enough to convince any property owner that the time is right for calling a pest management professional.
DO FLEAS CARRY DISEASE?
A variety of illnesses, including the plague, commonly are carried by fleas. While cases of the plague are rare in the U.S., other sicknesses do occur.
Murine typhus is one of these. It is caused by fleas that are infected with a certain virus that can be passed to people. Infected people may suffer loss of appetite, stomach pain, vomiting, pain in the muscles, fever and chills.
Cats may develop an infection from fleas that they transmit to people. Known as catch scratch disease, this common sickness swells the lymph nodes and causes them to be painful. Dangerously high temperatures and pustules at the wound site are other common signs.
Tapeworms also are a threat to people. Occurring mostly in small children who spend a great deal of time on the floor, tapeworms may cause loss of appetite, weight loss and other worrisome symptoms.
HOW TO DETECT FLEAS
Signs of a flea infestation include:
• Seeing flea dirt on pets • Pets excessively scratching themselves • People suffering itchy bites • Discovering bite marks on people clustered around the legs, ankles and feet
HOW TO PREVENT FLEAS
To help prevent flea issues the following steps should be taken:
• Trim lawns to a shorter height • Fix standing water issues in lawns and elsewhere in landscaping • Wash all bedding for pets and people on a regular basis • Vacuum more frequently • Washi all curtains, draperies and rugs • Steam cleaning carpets • Give pets routine baths • Use flea-preventative treatments on pets • Regularly checking pets for signs of flea dirt or fleas
HOW TO TREAT FOR FLEAS
Moderate to severe flea infestations can prove difficult to eradicate. As such, having the home or business professionally treated may be the best way to remove fleas. Typically a pest control provider will apply both an interior and exterior treatment, utilizing products designed for immediate eradication as well as residual protection against reinfestation.
