Where do Fleas Live?

Fleas make up for their lack of size with tenacity. The cost of controlling these tiny little bloodsuckers to Americans is approximately $9 billion each year*. one of pet owners' biggest single expenses.

Even though my clients use their flea and tick preventatives diligently, they occasionally still find fleas on their pets, they frequently lament. What is the source of these fleas? Well, typically, one of two factors is to blame for the explanation.

1. Flea Product Tolerance

Since flea product tolerance has grown rapidly over time, we wish to avoid breeding fleas that are resistant to our most effective pesticides. We maintain the fleas' sensitivity to the products we employ by switching them out occasionally. To stop resistant fleas from spreading their DNA, another choice is to include a flea sterilizer. Consult your veterinarian for advice on how to keep your home effectively flea-controlled.
  2. Fleas are in the Environment

About 57% of the fleas in a person's home are currently in the larval stage. To dwell in and grow into a pupa, these larvae spin a cocoon. They develop for one or two weeks before becoming an adult. The adult flea may stay in the cocoon for up to five months before being awakened and emerging from the cocoon to feed by the vibration or carbon dioxide from a passing animal.

The most successful flea treatment plans include a comprehensive strategy for management and prevention, including proper pet and environmental hygiene. What does this actually mean? A flea comb and a thorough bath are your best first lines of defense, then you should take prescription flea and tick prevention medicine. Which flea medication is best for you and your pet should be discussed with your vet.

Apply some basic sanitation methods both inside and outside the home to complete the process. Vacuum thoroughly and frequently change the bedding for your pets. Up to 30% of flea larvae and up to 60% of flea eggs can be removed from carpet and bedding by vacuuming. Clean the walls, furniture, cushions, chairs, and mattresses using a vacuum. Don't forget to vacuum your hardwood floors as well (and throw away those vacuum bags right away) because fleas love to live in the crevices.

Fleas love damp, chilly, and shaded areas outside. They thrive best in shaded locations and open grass but also enjoy shrubs, leaves, and trees. You can lessen the number of places where fleas can breed outside by pruning shrubs and raking leaves. This can help minimize infestations.

However, there are various possibilities for outside treatment, both natural and chemical, in cases when infestation has already occurred. There are many various kinds of flea traps, predatory nematodes that you may put in your soil, and a wide range of chemicals that you can use to treat affected regions. However, it could be simpler to hire a pest control business and have them treat the yard for you as part of an ongoing program using a pet-friendly treatment. Remember that total eradication of the area can take several months.

How to Prevent a Flea Infestation

By routinely treating your dogs and home for fleas, you can avoid ever having to deal with an infestation. Fleas aren't just irritating pests; they're also terrible little disease carriers, so preventing them from entering your home is a fantastic way to ensure the long-term health of both you and your pets.