Flea Control
A flea infestation is a frustrating problem
that can be difficult to eliminate. If you have a severe problem, your
best bet is to contact a quality pest control service. If you only have a
minor problem or insist on treating the infestation yourself, we will give
you some advice.
Flea Control Steps
The first thing you need to do is thoroughly
clean your home. Mop floors, dust and vacuum. Carefully vacuum carpeting
and furniture. Your goal here is to get rid of as many fleas and eggs as
possible. Be sure to throw your vacuum bag away immediately when you are
done.
Wash your dog or cats bedding and send your
pet to the vet to get a flea dip. Now is a good time to get your pet on a
good flea control program. Ask your vet for recommendations. Its easier to
prevent infestations than it is to treat them, as I'm sure you've figured
out by now.
Purchase a flea fogger from your local home
improvement store and read the directions on the fogger. Before setting it
off, be sure to teepee couch cushions so that all sides are exposed and
position drapes so that all sides are exposed as well.
Read all precautions and warnings on the
fogger before setting it off. Make sure all animals and people remain out
of the area for the time specified by the fogger.
Flea Life Cycle
Fleas can be difficult to control because of
their life cycles. It might help to understand their life cycles in order
to eliminate them.
Eggs
Flea eggs are white in color and only about
1/32 of an inch long. The adult flea will deposit the eggs on your pet and
then they will fall to the floor or upholstery. Flea eggs will therefore
be anywhere that your pet goes and will be predominately where they sleep
and lay. They will hatch within 2 to 3 days of being laid.
Larvae
Larvae are small and white to translucent. It
will take 3 to 4 weeks for larvae to develop into adult fleas. While
developing, they will feed on dried undigested blood dropped from your pet
by adult fleas. Since they feed on dried blood, Larvae will also mainly be
located where your pet sleeps and lays.
Pupae
Pupae will be in a silk cocoon usually covered
with dirt or other organic debris. Because of their covering, they will be
almost immune to pesticides at this stage of life. It will take 1 to 2
weeks for pupae to develop into adult fleas. They can however remain in
this cocoon state for months if no food source is available.
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