Fleas

Fleas are tiny, blood-sucking insects that can cause a host of problems for both pets and humans. Though they are small in size, their impact on your household can be significant. These pests not only create discomfort for your pets but can also pose health risks for both humans and animals. Understanding how fleas infest your home, the symptoms they cause, and effective control strategies will help you take the right steps to protect your home and pets.

Get a Free Quote Today!

Top Rated Pest Control In Florida

Delivering Beyond Expectations

What Makes Us Unique

Quick Response Time

More Pest covered

Honest and Credible

Local Service Professionals

Family-Owned

Eco-Friendly

Arrives On-time

100% Free Estimates

What Are Fleas?

Fleas are external parasites that primarily feed on the blood of animals, including dogs, cats, and even humans. These pests are incredibly mobile, capable of jumping up to 7 inches vertically and 13 inches horizontally. This remarkable ability allows them to move easily between hosts. While fleas primarily target furry animals, they can also live in carpets, furniture, and other parts of your home.

Fleas have a four-stage life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The adult flea lays its eggs on a host, but the eggs quickly fall off onto the floor, pet bedding, or other areas of the home. The eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on organic matter. These larvae eventually form pupae, encased in a cocoon, and then mature into adult fleas. The life cycle can be completed in as little as two weeks, and with proper conditions, fleas can reproduce rapidly, making infestations difficult to manage.

Common Signs of a Flea Infestation

If you suspect that fleas have invaded your home, it’s important to look for the telltale signs of an infestation. These signs can appear gradually, but early detection will make flea control more manageable.

1. Excessive Scratching and Biting in Pets

One of the most common signs that your pet is infested with fleas is increased scratching and biting. Fleas irritate your pet’s skin, leading to itching, scabs, and hair loss. If your pet is constantly scratching, it’s time to check for fleas.

2. Flea Bites on Humans

Fleas don’t just bite pets—they can bite humans too. Flea bites usually appear as small, itchy red spots, often in clusters around the ankles and legs. They can be particularly irritating and may lead to allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

3. Flea Dirt

Flea dirt, the feces of adult fleas, looks like small black specks on your pet’s fur. If you notice these specks, it’s a sign that fleas are present. You can check for flea dirt by brushing your pet’s fur and placing the specks on a damp piece of tissue. If they turn red or brown, it’s likely flea dirt.

4. Visible Fleas

Adult fleas are small but can be seen on your pet’s skin, particularly around the neck and tail areas. If you see fleas crawling on your pet or find them on your furniture, it’s a clear indication of an infestation.

Why Fleas Are a Problem

Fleas are more than just an annoyance. They pose serious health risks for both pets and humans. When a flea bites, it injects saliva into the skin, which can cause allergic reactions. Pets may suffer from flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), leading to intense itching, hair loss, and infections due to constant scratching. In severe cases, pets can develop anemia due to blood loss, especially if the infestation is large.

Fleas are also vectors for various diseases. They can transmit tapeworms to pets and are responsible for spreading the bacteria that causes the bubonic plague. Additionally, fleas are known to transmit other harmful diseases, such as murine typhus, which can affect both humans and animals.

Preventing Flea Infestations

The best way to deal with fleas is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Prevention is much easier than dealing with a full-fledged infestation. Here are some key steps you can take to prevent fleas from taking over your home:

1. Use Flea Preventatives for Pets

Regular flea prevention treatments for your pets are essential. Options include topical flea treatments, oral medications, flea collars, and medicated shampoos. Consult your veterinarian to find the best flea preventative treatment based on your pet’s lifestyle, age, and health.

2. Keep Your Home Clean

Fleas thrive in dirty environments, so regular cleaning can help reduce the chances of an infestation. Vacuum your home frequently, especially in areas where your pets spend the most time, such as their beds, carpets, and favorite resting spots. Don’t forget to vacuum under furniture and along baseboards where fleas and flea eggs can hide.

3. Wash Pet Bedding and Toys

Fleas can live in your pet’s bedding, toys, and other belongings. Wash these items regularly in hot water to kill fleas and eggs. This also includes washing your own bedding and clothing, as fleas can jump from your pet to you.

4. Treat Your Yard

Fleas can thrive in your yard, particularly if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors. Regularly mow your lawn, trim bushes, and remove leaves and other debris where fleas might live. Applying outdoor flea treatments to your yard can also help control flea populations around your home.

5. Flea Traps

Flea traps use light to attract fleas, which then get caught in the trap. These traps can help reduce the number of fleas in your home. They’re most effective when combined with other preventive measures, such as regular cleaning and pet treatments.

Flea Control and Treatment

If fleas have already made their way into your home, quick action is essential to avoid a full-blown infestation. There are various methods for controlling and eliminating fleas:

1. Flea Sprays and Foggers

Flea sprays and foggers are common treatments for indoor environments. These products are designed to kill fleas at all stages of the life cycle. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully, as they may require you to leave your home temporarily while the treatment takes effect.

2. Flea Bombs

Flea bombs release insecticides into the air and are useful for treating large areas like entire rooms. However, they may not be effective against all stages of the flea life cycle, so they should be used in combination with other treatments.

3. Professional Flea Treatments

If you’re dealing with a significant infestation, a professional pest control service can provide more effective treatments. Pest control specialists can assess your situation and apply targeted treatments that kill fleas and their eggs. They may also provide advice on long-term prevention.

4. Treating Pets for Fleas

If your pets are the source of the infestation, it’s crucial to treat them with flea preventatives and ensure they’re free of fleas. This might include using flea shampoos, oral medications, or topical treatments. You may also need to treat the home to ensure fleas are fully eliminated.

The Importance of Professional Pest Control

While DIY methods may reduce the number of fleas temporarily, these pests can quickly multiply and hide deep within carpets, furniture, and pet bedding, making complete eradication challenging. For lasting relief and to prevent reinfestation, professional pest control services provide the most effective and dependable solution.

At Pest Brothers, Inc., we offer comprehensive flea control services, including detailed inspections, tailored treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring. Our experienced technicians target flea hotspots and apply safe, effective treatments to eliminate both adult fleas and their eggs. With eco-friendly products and a focus on long-term prevention, we help protect your home, pets, and family from future flea problems.

To ensure consistent protection, we recommend regular applications, typically on a monthly basis during Florida’s peak flea season.

Areas We Serve

Award-winning

Services in Florida

Pest Control Program

Learn More

Rat Trapping and Exclusion

Learn More

Mosquitoes

Learn More

Termite Control

Learn More

Wildlife Control

Learn More

Lawn care

Learn More

Centipedes And Millipedes

Learn More

Ants

Learn More

Cockroaches German / American

Learn More

Service Like No Other

What Our Clients Say

We couldn’t believe how many mice were getting into our home. From one small hole from the outside wall, they infested our walls. We were freaked out when we found so many mice! Thanks so much to Jose and Michael for quickly taking care of this gross situation!

– Alicia Regalado

No matter how many sprays we bought at Home Depot, we couldn’t get rid of the ants. They were everywhere, like in our cabinets, drawers and cupboards. My husband was recommended the Pest Brothers and I’m so glad he called. The fleas are finally gone!

– Maria Hernandez

South Florida has plenty of mosquitos, but so often we felt that almost all those mosquitos made a living in our backyard. We couldn’t go outside for a BBQ or play catch without getting a swarm of mosquitos on us. With regular treatment with the Pest Brothers, it’s now under control. We can confidently refer them to anyone.

– Evan Hoffman

Yeah, I’m one of the screamers! When I see a roach, I get a little nauseous, angry and scared. And even though I keep my house super clean, I seemed to always have those huge Florida roaches with wings invading my space. And they are scary! They fly! Ugh. I called Pest Brothers and they took care of those nasty creatures and the roaches have NOT returned. Highly recommend their service.

– Richard Valenzuela

Effective and Reliable

Contact Pest Brothers, Inc. for Effective Flea Control Solutions

Flea infestations can cause significant discomfort for your pets and pose health risks to your family. If you’re dealing with a flea problem or want to take preventive measures, Pest Brothers, Inc. is here to help. Our professional pest control services are designed to effectively eliminate fleas from your home and prevent future infestations. With years of experience and a customer-focused approach, we can help you regain peace of mind.

Don’t let fleas take over your home contact us, Pest Brothers, Inc., today for a thorough inspection and a customized treatment plan and learn more about us. Call us now or fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment.