Flea Identification & Prevention

Fleas are a species of flightless insects from the Siphonaptera order. They require the blood of warm-blooded mammals to survive and eventually fertilize their eggs. Here in Jersey City, the cat flea is the most common species to plague people and pets. These insects only reach 1/12 to 1/8 of an inch in size, although they can jump up to 12 inches or more while hopping from host to host.

Fleas are credited with the spread of several serious diseases, including murine typhus, tularemia, and tungiasis. However, they’re far less likely to affect human populations apart from an itchy bite. On pets, flea bites can spread dangerous diseases and parasites that induce serious medical issues. Severe infestations may cause bartonellosis or anemia or spread serious tapeworm infestations.

If you think or know that a flea infestation is beginning to take root around your property, you need to contact a professional pest control like Bayonne Exterminating immediately.

You may be experiencing a flea problem if you own an indoor pet. Cats, dogs, and even parrots are known to carry fleas. Keep in mind that wildlife animals may also contribute to your flea population. If you’ve seen raccoons, opossums, skunks, or squirrels around your lawn, you may experience higher-than-average flea activity.

If you don’t own a pet or live near wildlife, you may have picked up fleas from someone else. If a friend, loved one, or family member has fleas, they’re likely to follow you home as well.

Fleas typically prefer shady areas with a great deal of outdoor moisture. Inside, they may live under the fur of your cat or dog or survive on carpets or rugs.

One way to identify the presence of fleas is with the "sock test." Put on pure white socks to at least knee-high length, then shuffle through the suspected area. Any tiny black specks found on the exterior of your socks may be a sign of a flea infestation.

Fleas are difficult to remove from a home once deeply rooted in the surrounding environment. After bringing your pets to the vet for treatment, consider calling the professionals at Bayonne Exterminating. Our team of experts can perform effective flea control within just a few weeks of visiting your property. Plus, we provide a six-month warranty to reinforce your peace of mind. Feel free to give us a call today and discuss your home pest control and commercial pest control options in greater detail.

The best way to get rid of fleas and prevent their reemergence is to take the following preventive actions: 

• Have your dogs and cats treated for fleas by a trained veterinarian. You can opt for flea collars, topical treatments, or oral medications depending on your preferences. 
• Keep the grass, trees, and shrubs around your property well-trimmed and maintained. The fewer shady areas there are around your property, the lower your risks may be for flea infestations. 
• Wear long-sleeved clothing while out in the yard, especially near overgrown areas. You may want to tuck your pants into your socks for an extra layer of protection. 
• Eliminate unnecessary outdoor moisture from puddles, potholes, or toys. Consider addressing interior moisture concerns as well, including leaky pipes or clogged drains. 
• Regularly wash your cat and dog beds, including any blankets or fuzzy toys. It may be wise to throw away older bedding that may harbor flea eggs or nymphs. 
• Caulk and seal any cracks and gaps around the interior of your property. You may want to opt for waterproof sealants that can last the test of time. 

By putting these tips into action, you can help prevent future flea problems for you and your pets.