Insights, Tips, and Tales

August Heat and…Fleas?

_ëîé_1

August Heat and…Fleas?

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!

Latest from Waynes Blog

6 Tips for a Pest-Free Home This Winter

As temperatures drop, pests like rodents, cockroaches, spiders, and wildlife are looking for a warm place to bundle up. Don’t let it be your home! Stay cozy and pest-free with these cold-weather tips: Seal Up Entry Points: Check for cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations. Even the smallest openings can invite unwanted pests…

Learn More >

Waynes Pest Control Acquires Gulf Coast Pest Control (FL)

Waynes Pest Control and Gulf Coast Pest Control Unite to Expand Service in the Florida Panhandle On September 11, 2024, Waynes Pest Control proudly merged with Gulf Coast Pest Control to expand our service area and offerings in the Florida Panhandle. This partnership allows us to continue providing the exceptional customer support and high-quality pest…

Learn More >

The Journey to Our 1000th Truck

At Waynes Pest Control, we’ve always believed that success is built on trust, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to service. Today, we’re proud to celebrate a monumental achievement: our 1,000th truck is officially on the road! This milestone marks more than just an increase in numbers—it’s a testament to the relationships we’ve built with…

Learn More >

Honoring Our Heroes this Veterans Day

At Waynes Pest Control, we proudly honor the service and sacrifice of all U.S. military veterans. On this Veterans Day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the brave men and women who have served, defended, and sacrificed for our nation. Your unwavering courage, dedication, and commitment have kept us safe, and we are truly thankful…

Learn More >

Wildlife Removal: Your Guide to Safe and Effective Solutions

When unexpected wildlife makes its way into your home, it can lead to many challenges, from property damage to health risks. Wildlife removal is a crucial service that helps homeowners and businesses deal with these intrusions safely and humanely. In this guide, we’ll dive into the essentials of wildlife removal, covering the importance of professional…

Learn More >

Rodent Awareness Week: How to Protect Your Home from Winter Rodent Infestations

As temperatures drop and the cozy indoors become more inviting, so do the chances of unwanted rodent guests entering your home. In honor of Rodent Awareness Week, Waynes is here to alert homeowners to the surge of rodent invasions during the fall and winter months. An estimated 21 million homes are invaded by rodents each…

Learn More >

microsoftteams-image

Waynes Expands Wildlife Divison

Waynes Pest Control is proud to announce the launch of our new service division called Wildlife Control. This service is now available in our service

Learn More >

Prioritizing Pest Control for Your Business

If your company is planning for the upcoming year, now is the perfect time to bring fresh energy to all areas of your business. Waynes is ready to help your business thrive in 2025! Keeping your space pest-free creates a comfortable environment for your employees, customers, and clients. Not to mention, pests can cause problems…

Learn More >

Keep Bats Out: Safeguard Your Commercial Property in Alabama and Tennessee

Bats play a crucial role in our ecosystem, with Alabama home to 16 species and Tennessee to 15. However, when these winged creatures invade commercial properties, they can become a significant problem. Despite their protected status, bats can cause severe structural damage, health risks, and costly repairs when they take up residence in your business….

Learn More >

Scroll to Top