How to Get Rid of Fleas

Fleas are a common problem for pets and the people who love them. When they bite, these tiny insects drink blood, cause pain, and may transmit disease or tapeworms. While flea bites are irritating to all, some people and pets are highly allergic and suffer more than others. Flea control is essential regardless of where you live. Learn how to get rid of fleas as part of your family’s fundamental health care.

flea control services icon

What Do Fleas Look Like?

Fleas are tiny, wingless, oval-shaped insects. They’re even smaller than a sesame seed. They may be red, yellow, or dark brown and have a hard shell. You may catch sight of a flea darting away as you brush the fur of your cat or dog. Otherwise, they are hard to see. Fleas cannot fly, but they can jump long distances from one host to another. Although flea infestations are most prevalent in homes with pets, petless homes can have them too.

Experts estimate that for every adult flea you can spot on your pet, there are at least 100 immature fleas nearby. This is especially disturbing if you find several fleas on your pet, which is why it’s so important to take immediate steps to get rid of them.

How Long Does it Take to Remove Fleas?

Due to a flea’s complex life cycle, it can take up to three or four months to thoroughly rid your home of a flea infestation. This is why sustained flea control and flea prevention techniques are so crucial. They not only help eliminate fleas but keep them from returning too.

flea life cycle

Mosquito Joe for Flea Control and Prevention Near You

Trust the professionals at Mosquito Joe to provide effective flea control service for your home and garden. Our mosquito control services also kill and prevent fleas and ticks, helping you to establish a pest-free oasis for your pets and family. We also offer natural pest control treatments. All our work is backed by our Done Right Promise™ and our own Satisfaction Guarantee.

The Life Cycle of a Flea

Fleas undergo four stages in their life cycle: eggs, larval, pupal, and adult. The adult female lays between four to eight eggs after every meal! The eggs fall to the ground, hatching within one to twelve days. The larval stage lasts from four to eighteen days, and then the flea will enter the pupal stage. The pupal stage can last anywhere from three days to an entire year. Once fleas emerge from the pupal stage, they become adults and begin searching for food in the form of warm-blooded animals. Fleas will likely become adults more rapidly in warmer temperatures and high humidity.

This complex life cycle makes a flea infestation challenging to control. First, a single flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day! So, as soon as you kill the current crop of adult fleas, new hatchlings come along. Next, some phases of the flea life cycle are highly resistant to most insecticides. This is why a multipronged approach is often the best flea control strategy.

How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your House

Ridding your home of fleas takes a concerted effort over a period of time. Many people want to know how to get rid of fleas. PetMD recommends that you don’t bother using salt, baking soda, dish detergent, coconut oil, boric acid, apple cider vinegar, alcohol, or cedar oil for flea control. These substances either prove ineffective at killing fleas or present unacceptable risks to pets and families.

Instead, try the following to get rid of fleas in the home:

  • Thoroughly wash all bedding for pets and people using hot water and soap.
  • Thoroughly vacuum all carpets and upholstery. Steam cleaning is best for upholstery and curtains.
  • Sweep all hard flooring.
  • Comb all pets with a very fine-toothed flea comb.
  • After removing fleas with a comb, bathe all pets with mild soap or pet shampoo.
  • Consider using monthly topical flea treatment for every pet in the home.
  • Get professional flea control services for the home’s exterior to prevent new flea infestations.

Once you have thoroughly cleaned your home and pets from top to bottom, you will have removed most of the adult fleas. Effective flea control requires that you repeat the treatment every five to ten days and at least three times before relaxing your vigilance. Repeated cleaning will also help remove additional eggs and newly maturing fleas.

How to Get Rid of Fleas on Pets

Flea pest control is essential for healthy, happy pets. It is a multi-step process to fully eliminate fleas on your pets. Here are the steps you should follow:

  • First, thoroughly comb each pet with a fine-toothed flea comb. Dunk any fleas or eggs in hot, soapy water to kill them.
  • Thoroughly bathe each pet using warm water and gentle, pet-friendly shampoo or soap. Consult your vet for a flea shampoo that will not dry your pet’s skin.
  • Consult your vet for a topical flea control formulated for your type and size of pet.
  • Get professional flea control treatments for the home’s exterior to prevent reinfestations.

Importance of an Immediate Flea Pest Control

Fleas are dirty, have painful bites, and cause itching and irritation that are harmful to your pet. Pets and family members may have allergic reactions that turn irritation into serious suffering. Fleas also carry a variety of diseases and can transmit tapeworms to pets and people, as outlined by the CDC. Effective flea control is essential for the health of your pets and family.

Knowing how to get rid of fleas is the first step. After that, a lot of work, time, and effort are required. So, don’t delay! Start now to rid your pets and home of fleas, and call on the experts for flea control service you can trust!

Why Choose Mosquito Joe for Flea Control and Prevention

Mosquito Joe provides comprehensive pest control tailored to the specific fleas in your locale. Let us be your first line of defense against these disease-carrying pests. Call us today at 1-855-275-2563 or request a quote online. We’ll help protect your family and furry friends from flea bites!

Testimonials