Fleas are tiny, wingless, blood-sucking parasites that create huge problems for humans and pets alike. The invasive pest loves to find a warm-blooded host, taking regular blood meals through their specially-adapted mouthparts. Besides the nasty feeding habits, flea bites can spread a host of disease-causing bacteria and viruses. If you suspect a flea infestation within your home, you need to contact a Jacksonville pest control company immediately.
Why Does My Pet Keep Having Fleas?
Eradicating fleas often seems like a tall order for most pet owners. The flea problem reappears even after treatment. Here are a few reasons why your pet still has them.
- Favorable environment
The small, reddish-brown insects love temperatures of approximately 70 degrees and humidity levels of 70%. Florida’s tropical climate means that the pests are active all year round. The conditions in your Jacksonville home may support repeated infestations throughout the year if proper flea control measures aren’t put in place.
- Untreated flea hotspots
While you carry out flea treatment on your furry friend, you may forget flea hotspots that re-infect your pest. The flea lifecycle has four distinct stages: egg, larvae, pupa, and adult. Most treatments focus on killing adult fleas, with the parasite reemerging later on from untreated flea hideouts.
- Infestation from other pets
If you have more than one pet at home, you need to treat all animals as potential hosts for flea infestation. Treating those with a visible itch only can lead to re-infestation within no time.
Controlling a flea infestation is difficult and frustrating. Your best bet is to consult pest control in Jacksonville for an effective treatment plan.
Can My Pet With Fleas Start A Flea Infestation In My Home?
Fleas have strong hind legs to jump from one host to another. Your pet may bring the parasites into your house, kickstarting an infestation. The fleas may hop from the animal’s underbelly to your carpet as the animal lies down, finding ideal spots to hide. The pest can hide in:
- Carpets
- Furniture
- Floor cracks
As fleas live and bread in warm, moist environments, your home may provide the perfect habitat during the colder months.
How Quick Can Fleas Multiply In My House?
Fleas breed quickly, and an infestation can easily get out of control. A female lays approximately 40 to 50 eggs daily and over 2,000 eggs during her lifetime. She begins egg production immediately after a blood meal.
The eggs hatch in two to three days, releasing larvae that pupate 7-11 days after hatching. The cocooned pupae become an adult in 7-19 days, completing the entire lifecycle in less than 26 days. The longer the infestation remains untreated, the harder it becomes to get rid of fleas completely from your home.
What Can I Do To Protect My Family From This Flea Infestation?
Controlling the flea invasion requires a quick and elaborate pest eradication plan. Here are a few tips that you can implement for your Jacksonville home.
1. Use natural insecticides such as boric acid for fleas to kill the parasite.
2. Prompt treatment of infested pests.
3. Vacuum your home regularly to pick up eggs, larvae, and hiding adults.
4. Mow and aerate your lawn regularly.
5. Use essential oils to kill fleas and repel them from your home.
6. Consult a pest control company to eliminate the infestation.
The best way to kill fleas is using a combined approach, targeting all stages of the lifecycle. Trad’s Pest Control can develop an integrated pest management plan tailored for your Jacksonville home.
Our experts can provide effective treatment options for both indoor and outdoor applications. Our lawn care services can offer a comprehensive package to eliminate the biting insects from your home. Reach out to us today to learn more about our home pest control services for Jacksonville residents.