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Common Cat Flea Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of any warm-blooded body. The most common species, pictured right, is the cat flea. It often feasts on cats, dogs, and humans.
They usually transport themselves on rodents and other mammals, and infest household pets and wild animals. Fleas use their legs to jump 8 inches vertically and 16 inches horizontally. Although they try to remain on their warm-blooded host at all times, they can be found on shoes, pant legs, and blankets.
Fleas are the most common transmitter of the rare bubonic plaque and can transfer the bacterial disease murine typhus to humans through infected rats. They can cause Flea Allergy Dermatitis in pets, and similar results from debris has been reported in humans. Tapeworms can be transmitted through fleas, causing anemia. A flea bite usually results in painful, red, itchy bumps.
To prevent fleas, clean and vacuum frequently to help remove flea populations and prevent the laying of eggs. Keep your lawn groomed to prevent rodents, and protect pets by keeping them on a leash while outside, clean and groom pets regularly, visit a vet annually, and treat your pet use flea treatments as directed.
If fleas are a problem, Pestworks can come and treat your home. Below are some tips to help with fleas before we visit your home or business:
Vacuum furniture, crevices, carpets, and rugs thoroughly. Remove bag from vacuum cleaner and place in a plastic bag, seal, and remove from the house.
Take your pet or pets to the vet on the day of treatment. Make sure you begin or continue the growth regulator (program for fleas) for each pet.
Wash or replace pet bedding. This is a primary breeding ground for eggs that drop off the host (pet). It is very important to keep the bedding clean.
On the day of treatment, you will need to be out of the house until it is completely dry. Please allow a minimum of three hours.
Fleas will continue to hatch for the next 3-5 weeks, but the growth regulator will sterilize the next group of eggs laid, resulting in sterile, dying offspring.
Vacuum frequently over the next 3-5 weeks to pick up eggs and stimulate hatching. The residual applied to the carpet and other areas will eliminate emerging adult fleas.
You may still be bit by fleas during this period, but emerging adult fleas will generally only live a few hours after coming through the residual treatment.