FLEAS
Don't let your pets be eaten alive. Fleas are small wingless insects that can jump long distances. Most homeowners will have an issue with either dog or cat fleas. However, children can get fleas by sleeping or resting in the same bed as an infested pet.
The Flea Life Cycle
Adult fleas will spend most of their lives on a host. Fleas can reproduce quickly. Eggs are laid on the animal but typically fall down into the bed. The eggs then hatch into tiny white larvae which resemble worms. They like to hide at this stage and feed on feces, dead skin or other organic material. The larvae then become a pupae forming into cocoons. Adults then emerge from the pupal cocoons. The process from egg to adult typically takes about one month.
The adult is attracted to the heat of a potential host as well as its breath (carbon dioxide.) Additionally, the flea can detect movement and will jump up to a foot to make contact with a host. The flea will then feed on the host starting the cycle again.
Treating for Fleas
It is important to treat all three areas--outdoors, indoors, and the pet.
- Outdoors- Pesticides can be used to control adult fleas. Spraying should be done in areas that are shaded. The sunny parts of the yard will typically be too hot and not have enough moisture to support the fleas. Spray in the areas your pets regularly visit including in and around dog houses, under porches, and around bushes. Treating before you have a flea infestation is always a good idea.
- Indoors- There are several different products available for indoor treatments. Make sure to hit all of the typical flea locations like pet beds or a favorite spot. A quick knockdown product is available to quickly kill adult fleas. This product does not have any residual so new eggs will not be impacted. Broadcast residual sprays provide killing power for an extended period of time. Insect Growth Regulators do not kill but interrupt the development cycle of the fleas. All of these products can be used separately or together.
- The Pet- Sprays that provide a quick knockdown of the adult fleas plus and insect growth regulator for longer protection are available. A veterinarian can also be consulted to discuss other options.
Mug-A-Bug has all of these products available to help you eliminate your Flea problem.
Do your pets a favor and stop by our Forsyth location!
Other Tips
Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum--It is extremely important to vacuum. Vacuuming will pick up every stage of the flea life cycle. The vibrations from the vacuum will cause adult fleas to emerge from their protective cocoons. Additionally, it will also eliminate dirt and spreads carpet fibers making pesticides more effective. Dispose of the vacuum contents in sealed bags. Continue vacuuming frequently.