What Do Fleas Look Like?

Adult fleas are approximately 2.5 cm long and are a dark reddish-brown color. They’re wingless, but their long legs allow them to jump large distances from host to host. Fleas bodies are thin and flat, which makes it easy for them to crawl through your pet’s fur. Adults also have mouthparts, which act like beaks to dig in and extract blood from their hosts. If we never have to use the word “mouthparts” again to describe this bloodsucking parasite, then we can live happily ever after.

Fleas Versus Bed Bugs

Fleas and bed bugs have a lot of similarities, and they’re often confused for one another: They both suck blood and have a reddish brown coloring. However, fleas are generally smaller than bedbugs, as well as skinnier and longer. Bed bugs are nocturnal, so if you see them, they’ll likely be in the piping of your mattress and in or around your box spring. Fleas are also nocturnal, but can be found clinging to your pet at all hours of the day.

The difference between the two bugs is also apparent in their bites. Flea bites resemble a cluster of mosquito bites, and will start to itch within an hour. On the other hand, bed bug bites can take a couple days to show, and they will look like raised, flat welts. Fleas can carry many types of bacteria and viral diseases. They can also transmit tapeworms. Bed bugs, it now appears, are able to transmit Chagas disease.

After Detection: Professional Assistance

So, you’ve spotted blood-sucking parasites in your home, and you’re adamant that they’re fleas, not bed bugs. If they’re causing you or your pet fits, it’s time to take care of them – otherwise, those bumps will just keep showing up. Contact Lloyd Pest Control for professional help to ensure their elimination. We offer flea extermination across Southern California.

The post How Do I Detect Fleas? first appeared on Lloyd Pest Control.

Fleas cause more irritation (especially for your pet) than they do disease. Fleas can cause tapeworms if ingested by your pet, which could easily happen since they will constantly chew and gnaw on their coats/skin as fleas are biting.

It can be a long, hard battle if you get a flea infestation. In a month, a female can lay thousands and thousands of eggs. Fleas have several stages of life from egg to maturity and just when you think you’ve gotten rid of the fleas, a new round of mature fleas hatch.

Our best advice is Prevention! Topical flea treatments are incredibly effective in ensuring you don’t suffer from a flea infestation. If you do this, you shouldn’t experience a flea infestation and you won’t need professional treatment. There are a variety of topical treatments for fleas on the market and your veterinarian can recommend the best solution for your pet.

How To Get Rid Of Fleas For Good

You can’t just get the fleas off the dog or cat and be done with fleas. Fleas will also be in the pet’s bed, carpet, furniture, and sheets. You’ll also have to treat your home for fleas.  Fleas live their life on and off of the host. Almost 75% of a flea’s life is spent away or off of the host.

First, get fleas off the pet with flea shampoos, combs, and topical treatments.

Next, (and very soon) treat your home. Vacuum upholstered furniture, rugs, and carpets to loosen the fleas and dispose of the contents in an outdoor trashcan. Do this again and again and again. Home foggers are readily available but can be dangerous and often used incorrectly. The safest (and most effective) solution is to have your trusted pest control service treat the inside and outside of your home for fleas. For professional help with fleas in Southern California, get an instant quote today.

Tip: Make sure your neighbors are also vigilant in flea prevention and control. Your neighborhood can easily become a breeding ground for fleas and may require area-wide control.

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