8 Things You Should Know About Fleas - Baton Rouge Pest Control

Whether you are a pet owner or simply someone who spotted a miniscule insect in the home, you may be looking for more information about fleas. In this quick guide, you can learn about flea control, flea-related health issues and many other facts. Remember, if you fear you have a flea infestation, the fastest way to take care of your problem is to hire a Baton Rouge pest control specialist

Flea on a person's skin

1. They Look Like Bed Bugs
 
Fleas and bed bugs have a similar appearance. Both are reddish brown and nocturnal, but there are ways to tell the pests apart. Fleas tend to have a short, oval shape as opposed to the longer seed shape of bed bugs. Fleas usually cap out at 3 mm while bed bugs can be as long as 5 mm. Both insects are also nocturnal, but fleas tend to hang around pets.
 
2. They Can Lead to Health Issues
 
Both pets and humans may suffer from health issues due to fleas. Not everyone will have the same problems, but the health issues could include:
 

• Parasites: Fleas can be carriers of tapeworms and other parasites. If animals groom the pests off of themselves, they may end up swallowing the bugs. This leads to the parasite being released in their systems.
• Bacteria: These miniscule insects can also carry a variety of bacteria. Some may infect humans while others may infect animals. The most common human-related bacteria carried by fleas causes cat scratch disease.
• Allergies: Fleas are known for the itchy feeling they produce in their hosts. Most people and pets get itchy due to the creepy-crawly feeling caused by the bugs walking on them, but some animals can develop an allergy to proteins in the insect's saliva. The itching caused by this allergic reaction is usually much worse than that caused by the simple movement of the flea.
• Anemia: If the blood-sucking bugs consume too much of the host's blood, it could lead to iron deficiency anemia. This is usually an issue for small or young animals. Some may even require blood transfusions due to the large amount of blood lost.

 
Fleas can lead to an uncomfortable feeling for many, but sometimes the issue can be even worse. Because these pests can be detrimental to health, you typically want to call in a Baton Rouge pest control team as soon as you spot the little bugs.
 

Dog with fleas

3. They Can Be Easily Transported
 
Just as the fleas transport certain parasites and bacteria, they can also be transported. If you have indoor-only pets, you may think that they are immune to flea infestation. However, no matter what stage a flea is at, it can be transported on shoes, pant legs, bags and other items. You could even carry a flea in without realizing it and introduce it to your beloved house pets.
 
One reason fleas have such an easy time getting transported from one place to the next is because of their amazing jumping skills. These tiny insects can make jumps more than 150 times their body length. This allows them to launch themselves on passing animals and humans for a quick meal, egg-laying spot and ride.
 
4. They Can Mature at Different Speeds
 
The typical life cycle of a flea includes four different stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. In ideal situations, a flea can transition through these four stages in as little as 21 days. However, in tougher environments, fleas can bide their time in certain stages. Eggs, for example, may not hatch until in a space ideal for a larva to thrive. Because of these differing mature speeds, getting rid of the insects without the help of a knowledgeable pest control expert may be challenging.
 
5. They Can Survive in Hostile Conditions
 
Even if you remove a flea's food source, these pests may still be able to survive for amazing lengths of time. As a pupa, fleas can go up to a year without eating. Once they reach their adult stage, they can go one or two weeks between meals. If food is scarce, fleas are not afraid to feed off of you rather than your pets. You and your Baton Rouge pest control team have to do more than eliminate food to get rid of fleas.
 
6. Infestations Can Happen Quickly
 
It does not take long for a single flea to turn in to hundreds. One female can lay anywhere from 20 to 50 eggs each day. Some of those eggs will grow into more females who help speed up the infestation. One day you may have an unnoticeable problem, and the next day you may see fleas jumping from your carpet as you walk past. It is never to late to get some help from a Baton Rouge pest control company.
 
7. You Have To Treat Your Whole Home
 
When trying to get rid of fleas, you cannot simply treat your pet. Eggs, larva and pupa could thrive in almost any warm, moist environment. A pest control expert may be able to help you clean up your house, clothes and car. As you treat your house, try the following:
 

• Sweep hard floors and vacuum carpets, rugs and furniture. Make sure you throw away vacuum bags and sweepings and take the trash out right away.
• Spray your yard. Killing the fleas directly outside of your home can help you keep the critters out.
• Get cleaners. You can find sprays designed for furniture, carpets and mattresses, so be sure to spray almost every surface in your home.
• Use a fogger. If you really want to make sure to kill every stage of the flea, you can use a fogger in your home with the help of a Baton Rouge pest control company.

 
If you simply treat your pets, the infestation can keep spreading as eggs, larva and pupae mature and start looking for food.
 
8. Their Bites Resemble Mosquito Bites
 
If you've been bitten by a flea, you may notice a cluster of mosquito-like bites. The bites usually become swollen within an hour after the initial puncture. The itch usually happens almost immediately after the bite. The red dots will have a darker red center from the puncture left by the insect's mouth. In some cases, the red bump will become an open sore a day or two after the initial bite.
 
Fleas can be a major problem in your home. Getting help from a Baton Rouge pest control company that specializes in flea control may help you eliminate the bugs quickly.