Fleas are common and persistent pests that rapidly grow in numbers. Their bites don’t just cause discomfort and allergic reactions. These tiny, blood-sucking insects can also transmit diseases and parasites, like typhus and tapeworms. For effective flea control services, find your local flea control team at Mosquito Squad Plus®.
Some lapdogs were bred to protect people from fleas! It was believed that fleas would be more attracted to dogs than their human owners.
Fleas are known to infest homes and yards in search of a host, as they are parasites and need blood to reproduce. The first step to control fleas is knowing how to identify the pest.
Fleas are tiny and wingless with reddish-brown, flat, oval-shaped bodies. They are only 1-3 millimeters long and have six legs. Their hind legs are largest and most powerful, allowing them to jump long distances. Their bodies are covered in bristles that help them cling to their hosts, and they have specialized piercing mouthparts for feeding on blood.
Flea eggs are oval-shaped and white or translucent. They can be very difficult to spot with the naked eye because they are about the size of a grain of salt. Flea eggs are smooth and tend to fall off their host into carpets, bedding, and floors. Since they are non-sticky and lightweight, they easily spread throughout homes and yards.
If you think you may have fleas on your property, it’s important to act quickly. Female fleas can lay 50 eggs a day, so a minor flea issue can become an infestation before you know it!
Look for these common signs of fleas:
A major sign of fleas on pets is “flea dirt,” which is flea feces containing digested blood. Flea dirt looks like black or dark specks on your pet’s fur and favorite areas. If you rub your pet with a wet paper towel, it will turn red from flea dirt. Sometimes you can also spot fleas themselves jumping or crawling through your pet’s fur, especially near the base of the tail, ears, and stomach. Changing behavior is another indicator of fleas. Your pet may become restless and anxious, avoid sleeping or lying down on their usual spots, or excessively bite or scratch their skin. Fleas on pets is also often a sign that there are fleas in your yard.
Bites are the biggest sign of fleas on humans. Flea bites appear as small, red bumps, often in clusters along the legs, ankles, or waistline. They usually cause intense itching.
Signs of fleas in your house include the “flea dirt” mentioned above (dark specks), as well as eggs and larvae (small, worm-like, and pale-colored). Check bedding, furniture, carpets, and cracks in hard flooring.
If you are not fully satisfied with your service, contact your Mosquito Squad office and we will make it right!
Our Guarantee"Mosquito squad does an excellent job each month in getting my yard sprayed and are very courteous and professional."
"Amazing service. Shane L was very polite and quiet when I told him my infant was sleeping."
"Our technician Alonzo P. is always looking for ways to increase our overall experience. Reminding us to watch areas where water can pool to gather mosquitos and other insects. He takes the time to treat areas he sees could be potential breeding grounds."
"Love that I can play with my puppy in the backyard without being eaten up by mosquitoes!"
"Mosquito Squad always goes above and beyond. I know I can trust them to take care of our property without worry. I don’t have a spleen, due to cancer. This means should I ever get bitten, it is possible for me to get rare tick born diseases. These put me at risk to make me extremely sick. But, because of my yard being treated for those nasty ticks, I am able to be in my yard comfortably. I can be without fear because this gift of a company makes those ticks history! Plus, my dog can roll around as much as she wants with no issues, too! Beyond that, the entire staff is delightful and always answers any questions I may have. Highly recommend."
"I can always count on a great experience and great customer service! Ace was very professional and thorough. This is why I renew each year!"
"Been with mosquito squad for so long I can’t remember what a mosquito looks like. They take great care and let me know when they are on the way. I’ve recommended them to several neighbors so if you’re looking try them out"
"Haven’t seen a mosquito all summer. Thanks LaGuan!"
