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Fleas.

Sunny days in North Carolina mean more time outdoors with your pets, but sometimes that fun comes with a pesky downside—fleas. These tiny jumpers can easily hitch a ride and quickly infest carpets, couches and bedding. Do you need professional flea control? Discover more about these persistent pests.

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Flea facts you should know.

Fleas are tiny wingless insects with flat bodies. There are more than 300 species of fleas in the U.S., but the cat flea is the most common. The cat flea is found on more than just cats. You’ll also find them on dogs, raccoons, ferrets, skunks, birds, and on you.

The average flea is less than three millimeters long and has powerful legs designed for jumping. A flea can jump 100 times its length, making it easier for it to land on its food source. Once a flea finds a host, it feeds on blood multiple times a day.

A single flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day, making it challenging to get rid of an infestation. Fleas also carry diseases that can cause fever, chills, weakness and swollen lymph nodes.

Can fleas live on humans?

Fleas can bite humans, but most people don’t have enough hair to enable them to build a permanent home. Fleas need a furry host, like a dog, cat or rodent, to flourish. 

Fleas usually bite humans in easy-to-reach areas such as around the ankles, legs and waistline. The bites are small, red, itchy bumps that appear in clusters or lines.

Signs of fleas.

To determine if you have a flea problem, it’s important to be aware of the signs of these pesky critters. Fleas are sneaky, but there are clear indicators that your home or yard may be infested.

  • Itchy pets: Excessive scratching, biting or licking.
  • Flea dirt: Tiny black specks of dried blood on skin or bedding.
  • Bites on humans: Small, red, itchy bumps around ankles and legs.
  • Sightings: Spotting adult fleas jumping on pets, furniture or even your light-colored clothing.

4 risks fleas pose to your home and family.

Fleas are a nuisance, but they can also cause serious health problems.

  1. Pet health issues: Flea bites cause itching, allergic dermatitis, anemia and can transmit tapeworms.
  2. Human discomfort: While fleas prefer pets, they will bite humans, leaving itchy bumps.
  3. Disease transmission: Fleas are known carriers of bacteria and parasites that can affect both pets and people.
  4. Persistent infestations: Because of their rapid breeding cycle, even a few fleas can quickly turn into a full-blown infestation.

DIY tips to prevent flea infestations.

Start by protecting your pets. Topical treatments, oral medications or flea collars recommended by your veterinarian are the first line of defense. 

Fleas thrive in carpets, upholstery and dark, undisturbed spaces. Frequent vacuuming, washing bedding and decluttering help keep fleas at bay. Regular yard maintenance ensures the area around your home is clear of debris where both fleas and wildlife may hide.

Simple at-home steps help, but they usually aren’t enough to keep fleas from taking over.

Best way to eliminate fleas.

Even with good prevention, fleas can sneak in and multiply quickly. Because their lifecycle includes eggs, larvae, and pupae that hide deep in fibers and soil, infestations are tough to tackle fully without professional help. 

A pest control service can treat your home, yard and pet environments to break the cycle for good.

Trust Terminix Triad.

As a family-owned company serving the Triad area since 1932, we combine proven treatments with local expertise. Our team can wipe out flea infestations completely and put lasting protection in place. 3

Learn more about Terminix Triad’s pest control packages to find a solution that’s right for your home or business.

Call now
(877) 372-9696

or request your free quote

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*Email/SMS opt-in details listed below In need of customer support? Contact us here.