Fleas cause a lot of stress for homeowners in the Bay Area. Not only are they annoying, but they also cause distress for your pets. These tiny insects are known for their ability to jump long distances and reproduce rapidly. In this article, we’ll dive into the most common questions people have about fleas and how you can eliminate them from your residential property.
If you’re looking for effective pest control in the Bay Area, look no further than Bay Pest. With more than four decades of pest control experience, you can trust us to deliver top-quality services every time. Say goodbye to itchy flea bites and problematic infestations when you partner with our skilled pest management professionals for all your pest control needs. Contact Bay Pest today to find the perfect treatment plan for your home and family.
Identifying A Flea Infestation
A flea infestation is not something you want to handle. However, before you learn what it takes to eliminate fleas in the Bay Area, it’s helpful to understand how to tell if you have fleas in your Bay Area home. Signs of fleas include:
- Dozens of itchy, discolored bites on your legs and feet
- Specks of flea dirt (flea excrement) in your pet’s fur
- Excessive scratching, especially in your pets
- Fleas hopping around your carpets, furniture, and curtains
Unfortunately, many people only discover fleas after an infestation is already underway. Professional flea control services from Bay Pest are your best bet! Reach out to us today to schedule an inspection.
Do Fleas Need A Host To Survive?
Contrary to popular belief, fleas don’t always live on host animals. Although these pests require a blood meal now and then to survive, they can last for up to two weeks without ever biting a host. Female fleas cannot reproduce without a blood meal. However, these tiny insects can reproduce rapidly once a host a found. Many fleas that invade homes hide in carpeted rooms or inside furniture. Some may hide in your pet’s bed, toys, and blankets. Unfortunately, if you or your pets frequently visit these areas of your home, fleas will always have a source for their next blood meal.
Can Fleas Get Stuck In Your Skin?
Having an insect stuck in your skin is a frightening concept. Thankfully, most homeowners don’t have to worry about this happening to them. The only type of flea known to burrow into the skin of their hosts is sand fleas. Females of this species burrow into the skin and feed on the host’s blood before laying eggs. Most sand fleas are native to warm, tropical climates, such as the Caribbean or parts of South America. In the United States, Atlantic sand fleas are near the high tide mark on sandy beaches along the Atlantic coast. However, they stay burrowed in the sand during the day, so your chances of being bitten by one are low. Sand fleas prefer to live in their sandy environments, so you’ll unlikely bring one of these pests home with you.
Cat fleas are the most common type of fleas to get into residential properties. Dog fleas are occasionally a problem for some households, but cat fleas are much more likely to be brought into urban areas. These tiny insects get onto your pets outdoors, then hitch a ride into your Bay Area home with them. Although being bitten by cat fleas is unpleasant, they won’t get stuck in your skin. While feeding, they may embed tightly, but they’ll release their grip after a blood meal. Flea bites often cause reddened, irritated skin that may be itchy.
Get Professional Help For Flea Control In The Bay Area
Fleas are incredibly frustrating pests. They cause your pets to itch excessively, leave discolored bites all over your skin, and move quickly enough to evade your attempts to eliminate them.
The most effective way to get rid of a flea infestation is by implementing an ongoing pest control plan from Bay Pest. We’re committed to providing excellent treatments that cover a variety of common pest problems. We have you covered if you’re looking for help with fleas, rodents, spiders, or other local pests. With Bay Pest by your side, you can rest easy knowing that your home will remain free of pests year-round.
Don’t allow fleas to infest your home and destroy your peace of mind. Instead, partner with our technicians from Bay Pest to receive the top-of-the-line pest control services you deserve.