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$67 Pest Control
Chris Barber
Pest Control Technician
Jonathan Mitchell
Pest Control Technician
Mackenzie Keene
Office Manager
Fair Oaks homes often encounter the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), a common pest on domestic cats and dogs. These reddish-brown insects are about 1/8 inch long and live on pets, feeding on their blood. This can lead to skin irritation, hair loss, and anemia in serious cases. Cat fleas can also bite humans, causing red, itchy welts that may trigger allergic reactions.
The flea’s life cycle includes the egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Female fleas lay up to 50 eggs daily, which fall off pets onto carpets and bedding. The larvae feed on organic material and grow in damp areas. The full life cycle takes roughly 18 days, with adult fleas living for about 40 days on a host.
Ctenocephalides canis, also known as dog fleas, are parasitic insects that commonly infest dogs but can also bite cats and humans. Though similar to cat fleas, dog fleas are less frequently found in California. These tiny, wingless, reddish-brown insects are adept at hiding in fur. By feeding on blood, they cause itching and irritation. Dog fleas also pose health risks, such as transmitting tapeworms and other parasites.
Their life cycle includes stages of eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult fleas. Flea eggs fall off the host and land in the pet’s environment, including bedding or carpets. The larvae feed on organic matter and flea waste. Pupae, cocooned, may remain dormant for months. Adult fleas live for weeks, reproducing and feeding on their hosts regularly.
Sticktight fleas are frequently found on ground squirrels and poultry, where they attach themselves tightly to the ears and eyes of their hosts. This can cause irritation and potential health concerns. Pets that spend time outside, especially in areas with ground squirrels, are at higher risk. Regular inspections of pets can help detect infestations early.
Treatment should target both the pet and the surrounding environment. It is crucial to treat the pet and its bedding on the same day. For homes with outdoor pets, ensure that both indoor and outdoor spaces are inspected and treated.
Our flea control service at Fair Oaks Pest Control begins with a detailed inspection of your yard. We pay special attention to flea-prone zones and areas where pets often roam. This helps us determine the spots that require targeted treatment. Our team checks your entire outdoor area, focusing on shaded places and dense vegetation.
For the interior inspection, we examine baseboards, cracks, and crevices where fleas like to hide. Additionally, we inspect pet bedding, carpets, and furniture, covering all potential flea habitats. A precise inspection is the foundation of an effective flea treatment strategy.
Before our flea control service, there are some steps you should follow. Outside, trim your lawn. Inside, remove items from the floors, such as toys or mats. Thoroughly vacuum carpets, closet floors, and under beds, then throw out the vacuum bag. Sweep and mop all hard surfaces. Treat your pets and wash their bedding on the same day. You will need to stay out of the home for around 2-3 hours until everything dries.
We begin by thoroughly inspecting your yard and treating flea hotspots across up to half an acre. Indoors, liquid treatments are applied to baseboards, cracks, and pet areas like cat trees. The floors might be slippery after treatment but dry quickly. Using fans or air movers will help speed up the process.
Fair Oaks Pest Control provides a no-cost follow-up treatment two weeks after our initial flea control service. This follow-up visit is vital to target any newly hatched fleas. Our experienced technician will repeat the thorough treatment in all previously treated areas to guarantee successful flea eradication.
To maximize the results, we advise vacuuming carpets and sweeping floors regularly following the first service. This helps stimulate flea eggs to hatch, allowing the second treatment to be even more effective. Keeping pets treated and washing their bedding during this time is crucial for preventing future infestations.
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