Fleas
Fleas are found throughout the U.S. and are commonly found on both cats and dogs. Cat fleas are the most common domestic flea and account for nearly 95% of pest management calls.
Flea Treatment
It is highly recommended pets receive a flea treatment.
Indoor Management:
We will apply a pesticide known as an IGR (insect growth regulator). IGR’s are formulated to disrupt the ability to develop. It is required to keep people and pets from entering the premises until the treatment has completely dried. This time period could be up to 4 hours. We also advise the homeowner to vacuum several times during the first 7-10 following treatment. This will help reduce the emerging fleas and tend to stimulate fleas to emerge from their cocoon. Be sure to empty the contents of the vacuum immediately after treatment and discard the contents outside in a sealed bag.
Characteristics of Fleas
What does a cat flea look like?
Adult cat fleas are brown to black with the body laterally flattened (side to side) and wingless. Cat fleas have powerful legs and can jump several inches vertically and horizontally.
Life History
Females lay 4-8 eggs after each blood meal and can lay a total of 400-500 eggs during her lifetime. Eggs are smooth and are deposited on or between hairs of the host and either fall off or are shaken off when the animal scratches or shakes itself. Eggs usually hatch in about 2 days (range 1-6). Under favorable conditions, larvae develop within 5-10 days to an adult.
