Pest Identification And Information

Fleas

TRIVIA:

The reason insects "bite" you is that they are attracted to the carbon dioxide that you are excreting through your sweat glands and the breath the you are exhaling. It tells them that you have blood.  Generally, females will excrete more carbon dioxide than males as they tend to have a higher metabolism rate.  It is for this reason that women and girls will usually be the first in the family to be bit.

FLEA FACTS:

While there are many species of fleas, we typically encounter three kinds:

1. Cat Flea (the most common)

2. Dog Flea

3. Human Flea

IDENTIFICATION:

• They are black or red and black in color with an evenly rounded thorax.

Biology:

• They are very small and wingless.
• They are brownish-black to black.
• Both males and females bite and suck blood.
• They need a blood meal in order to fertilize eggs.
• They have a complete life cycle; egg à larva à pupa à adult.
• They can live for 1 year or more
• They have the ability to go “dormant” for long periods of time (up to 6 months).
• Their bodies are extremely thin, and are covered with a series of backward directed spines or bristles which facilitate forward movement through fur, hair or feathers.

Habits:

• Adults spend majority of time on the host.
• Eggs are laid on the host, then usually fall or are shaken/scratched off.
• Eggs fall into small cracks, carpeting, furniture, etc.
• Larva will feed on any organic material it finds in the nest of its host (including adult flea feces) or in homes where the eggs were laid.
• Pupa are sensitive to vibrations, will stimulate the emergence of the adult.
• They prefer to live in warm moist environments, thrive when humidity levels are above 70%.
• If host animal dies, fleas will leave for another host.  If the original host died from a disease, the fleas can spread that disease when they bite.
• They generally travel by jumping.  They can jump about 13” in distance and 8” high.
• They do not like light.

TREATMENT:

How the homeowner must prepare for a flea service.  First, schedule Adam's to perform the flea service.  Next, follow these steps fully:

• Pick up everything from  the carpeted floors other then the furniture; floors of closets, under beds, toys, stuffed animals, books, magazines, dirty socks etc.
• Strip bedding and wash.
• Thoroughly vacuum: all carpeted areas, under beds/ furniture, take cushions out of couches/chairs, vacuum “where the money falls,” curtains up about 3 feet from floor, and any obvious cracks/crevices along baseboards, wood or tile floors.
• PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO WHERE THE PET SPENDS MOST OF ITS TIME!
• Immediately after vacuuming, remove the bag, seal and place in garbage OUTSIDE.
• This should all be done as close to our service time as possible.
• The pet should not be allowed in the house during or after the vacuuming.
• Pet needs to be treated, preferably by a Vet or groomer and not allowed in the untreated house.

FAQ’s:

“Do I have to worry about my food, dishes?”

You should not have any food out.  Place food into refrigerator, cupboards, etc.  As long as dishes are in the cupboards it should not be a problem.

“We just came home from vacation and we’re getting eaten alive!”

Fleas can go dormant for long periods of time (such as during vacations, or in vacant houses waiting to be sold).  The vibrations of people opening doors, vacuuming, walking, talking, etc. stimulate the fleas and make them very active.