Fleas are tiny parasitic pests. They are reddish brown and have flat bodies. Fleas have six legs, with the last pair larger and stronger than the others. These legs enable them to jump many times their own height. Fleas also have bristles on their bodies and legs that help them move easily through hair, fur, and feathers.
Fleas are parasites that feed on blood. They bite and draw blood from various warm-blooded mammals, including humans, dogs, and cats.
Fleas reproduce rapidly. With lifespans of about 100 days, a female flea can lay over 2,000 eggs in her lifetime. Most female fleas lay around 50 eggs per day, which hatch into larvae in about a week. Depending on conditions, larvae develop into pupae within 5 to 20 days. The pupal stage can last from a few days to several months. Once adult fleas emerge, they take their first blood meal and begin laying eggs within 48 hours.
Where Do Fleas Hide in a Home?
When fleas enter your house, they can hide almost anywhere. You’ll most commonly find them in bedding and pet bedding, on upholstered furniture, and in carpeting. They also hide in cracks in flooring and other small crevices. You can often find them in your pet’s fur as well.
Yes, fleas do bite humans. They feed on the blood of mammals, and unfortunately, humans are no exception.
Flea bites usually appear as small, raised bumps. They’re red, with a lighter ring around the center of each bite. You’ll often see them in clusters of three or four, arranged in a line or zigzag pattern. They typically appear around the ankles or legs, or in warm, moist areas like the armpits, groin, or behind the knees and elbows.
Although it’s rare to become seriously ill from a flea bite, fleas can transmit diseases, making it important to avoid them. Fleas are known carriers of the bubonic plague. They can also transmit murine typhus to humans and tapeworms to pets.
Fleas are also known to cause anemia in pets. Some pets suffer from allergic reactions to flea saliva, resulting in dermatitis. Humans can experience similar reactions.
Eliminating fleas is essential for the health and comfort of your family and pets. Dealing with a flea infestation is stressful and frustrating, and DIY methods rarely succeed in fully eradicating them.
The best way to eliminate a flea infestation is by contacting a professional pest control company. Fleas require specialized treatments applied by experienced professionals, which is exactly what you’ll get from The Pied Piper. Our home pest control includes flea control services designed to fully eliminate your infestation.
Yes, flea infestations are difficult to treat and often return. This happens because many over-the-counter products target only adult fleas, leaving behind eggs, larvae, and pupae.
To prevent fleas from returning, work with a trusted pest control provider that targets all life stages of fleas.
Also, after treating your home, keep your pets up-to-date on their flea treatments. Fleas can easily return if your pets pick them up outdoors, so maintaining their treatment helps ensure your home stays flea-free.
You can take several steps to help prevent future flea infestations. Our tips cover both indoor and outdoor prevention. Many outdoor tips focus on keeping rodents away, since they often bring fleas onto your property.
For more comprehensive flea control, contact The Pied Piper. Our routine pest control services will keep your home flea-free all year long.
We love Pied Piper! They are the first pest control service that we have used that does things neatly without spraying all over our belongings. They are very detailed, quick to respond when we have needed them, and keep our lake property pest free so we can enjoy it fully! They also have a very friendly and helpful staff. Thanks guys! We will continue to be regular customers!
Stephanie H.
Eufaula, OK
My husband and I have been using Pied Piper for a year or two. We have had really good results with their services! I highly recommend them! Friendly efficient service!
Erin C.
Eufaula, OK
Brad was excellent very professional and efficient! He went to the root of the problem and addressed it appropriately as needed. The service ladies you call for scheduling are also very polite and friendly . All around 10 on 10 ! Their products actually work too unlike others we’ve used in the past.
Lisa N.
Eufaula, OK
