News & Information

Even though fleas are tiny pests, they can cause BIG problems! Fleas are active year round but tend to cause more problems as the temperatures drop. They typically will try to hitch a ride on your cat or dog coming in from the outside. In fact, pet owners spend over $1 billion each year controlling fleas. But, they've also been known to be carried in by rodents who are looking for a warm place to spend the winter.

Fleas are very small, about 1/16 to 1/8-inch long. They are dark reddish-brown and have a hard body. Their flattened bodies enable them to move easily between hair, fur, and feathers of their hosts. And, they have enlarged hind legs which help them leap vertically up to seven inches and 13 inches horizontally!! This would be like a human jumping 250 feet in the air or 450 feet horizontally!

Fleas are more than just nuisance pests. They can cause serious medical problems to people and pets. Such problems include flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), tapeworms, secondary skin irritations from scratching and, in extreme cases, anemia. Bites on humans typically appear on the ankles and legs and may cause itchiness, irritation, or pain for periods lasting from just a few minutes up to several days depending on the individual's sensitivity to the flea's saliva.

The most important step to controlling fleas is a thorough inspection. Fleas can infest carpets, bedding, pet bedding, furniture, drapes, and more. Pet owners should plan to have pets treated on the same day the home is being treated. In some cases, it may be necessary to treat the vehicle transporting the pet. Vacuuming is key to a successful flea treatment. This helps bring the fleas' eggs to the surface of the material for removal. Vacuum bag or canister contents should be sealed tightly and removed from the premises.

If you suspect fleas have hitched a ride into your home, give Action a call. We’d be glad to perform a free inspection!

Evansville: (800) 467-5530
Owensboro: (800) 880-1941
Washington: (800) 680-3059
Indianapolis: (800) 839-6090

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