Whether you have pets or not, fleas in your Bryan residence can quickly become more than a nuisance. From itchy bites to unsightly flea dirt, fleas should be near the top of your list for pest control in Bryan. These pests can cause a number of problems and are exceptionally difficult to get out of your home once they move inside. Here's what you need to know about fleas in Bryan and how EnviroGuard can help put a stop to them in your home.
Fleas: Facts and Identification
There are many different types of fleas, and all of them are tiny flightless parasites. Only growing to be 1/6 of an inch in length, fleas are dark reddish-brown with two antennae and six legs. They don't have wings, but their large, powerful back legs allow them to jump long distances. One unique thing about a flea is how flat it is from side to side, enabling fleas to travel easily through pet hair.
Fleas feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals and can transmit diseases to their hosts. While pets are particularly susceptible to flea bites, people are not immune to the bites or the risk of disease. Fleas are the most common animal to transmit the rare bubonic plague, and they also transmit murine typhus to humans through infected rats. In our pets, fleas can transfer tapeworms and cause anemia.
Aside from fleas themselves, you may see other signs of their presence, such as red bite marks on you or your pets, flea eggs, and flea dirt (small black specks composed of flea feces) in pet fur, pet beds, carpets, and rugs. If you notice these or other signs of a flea infestation, it's best to get in touch with a local pest control professional.
Do Fleas Die Without A Host?
How long can fleas live without a host? Unlike many pests, fleas can actually remain on their host for their entire lifecycle, laying their eggs and feeding at their leisure well-hidden in the thick fur of their host. However, it's not uncommon for fleas, or their eggs, to drop off from animal hosts.
When this happens, it's as simple as leaping onto a passing person's ankle to grab a bite while they await another host. Fleas can survive for up to two weeks without a meal, so they can easily survive without a host as long as they are in a somewhat well-frequented area.
Is It True That Fleas Burrow Under Skin?
Unlike ticks, flea bites occur on the surface of the skin, and they do not burrow under our skin. Flea bites cause small painful, itchy red bumps. For those who are allergic to their saliva, these bites can cause severe dermatitis. While fleas do not literally get under our skin, they can be a significant stressor when they infest our homes.
Don't Let Fleas Take Over Your Home
Flea control can quickly become an ongoing battle in your home. Because of the nature of their life cycle, it can take weeks or even months to treat a flea infestation fully, and even then, there is always the risk of a resurgence.
The best way to get rid of fleas is to enlist the help of EnviroGuard's expert service professionals. We bring over 40 years of combined experience to the pest control industry and understand local needs in Texas. With our service plans, you'll get affordable prices, prompt turnaround, and effective services that are safe for your family and the environment. Call today for your free quote!