August is peak flea season! Did you know Americans spend about $9 billion a year controlling fleas – one of the biggest expenses for pet owners?
In Alabama, most flea problems are caused by the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis. This flea feeds on cats, dogs, and wildlife. Other kinds of fleas, such as the dog flea, human flea, and rat flea, are less common on pets and in homes. Fortunately, fleas don’t have to be a serious problem because there are many effective treatments.
Understanding fleas
Although they can jump, adult fleas don’t usually travel long distances without a host. Fleas prefer to wait and jump onto a passing animal. Once aboard, they remain there until they are dislodged or groomed from the animal. Without a host, adult fleas live only a few days to 2 weeks. On short-haired cats and dogs, fleas survive an average of 8 days; they live longer on long-haired animals.
Fleas do not survive well outdoors in hot, sunny lawns. Moist, shaded spots near pet resting areas are the places to find fleas. Indoors, flea larvae are usually found under furniture and in pet bedding.
How to get rid of them
The biggest part of the flea control program is good sanitation and treatment of your pet and its environment. You can eliminate fleas from your home with proper treatment, but it may take time, especially if the infestation is heavy. Be sure to change your pets bedding regularly and vacuum thoroughly. Vacuum under furniture, cushions, chairs, beds, and along walls. Discard vacuum cleaner bags at least once a week. Fleas can continue to develop inside vacuum cleaner bags and re-infest the house.
I have fleas, but no pets. What gives?
Sometimes buildings become infested with fleas even when there are no pets around. Other animals such as bats, roof rats, squirrels, raccoons, and wild dogs and cats may be the source of an infestation. Waynes can seal openings where wildlife may enter your home.
Be sure to follow up
Fleas are hard to kill with insecticides so an additional follow-up treatment is usually needed 7 to 10 days after the first application. This is also something Waynes can take care of for you.
GOOD NEWS!
Waynes offers a flea treatment! If you’ve received our flea treatment, be sure to check out the guidelines to follow to make sure it’s the most effective! If you think you have fleas, and would like a free estimate, just let us know! Call us at 1-866-WAYNES1 or click here and fill out the Contact Us form!
