Throughout the world, fleas are among the most prevalent parasitic pests that cause havoc in homes. Approximately $9 billion is spent annually by Americans on flea control, which is one of the largest costs for pet owners.
Even though they are tiny, they have the ability to bite humans and most domestic pets, causing red, itchy bites that irritate skin. Often before you even realize they have moved in, these microscopic, bloodsucking parasites annoy your pets and infest your house.
If you suspect a flea infestation in your home and require flea control in Long Island, NY, do not hesitate to contact Optimum Pest Control right away.
What Are Fleas and What Do They Look Like?
Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that feed on human and animal blood, and they can remain undetected for weeks at a time. Since they typically have poor vision, they locate new hosts by looking for body heat, motion, and breathing, and as soon as they find a new host they jump on it.
Despite not being able to fly, these insects can jump incredibly far, which enables them to enter your home via rodents and pets.
Typically, their bodies have a reddish-brown color and are covered in tiny spines and hairs that point backward. Because their bodies are compressed laterally, they have a relatively tall and narrow profile that makes it easier for them to maneuver among their host’s hairs.
They also have a pointed, sharp mouth capable of sucking and biting blood, as well as a flexible spine that allows them to cling to animal fur. That is why it is quite difficult to remove them from the skin or fur.
Nonetheless, their sudden movements might catch your attention more than their bodily features.
In addition to feeding on the blood of their hosts, fleas transmit bacterial, viral, and rickettsial diseases. That is why, a flea infestation puts our beloved pets, as well as us and the entire household, at risk.
Thankfully, there are numerous efficient treatments available, so flea infestations do not always have to be a major issue.
What Are the Most Common Types of Fleas?
Approximately 2,500 species of fleas are known to exist worldwide, with more than 300 species being found in the US. The various species are distinguished from one another according to which host they prefer. In the US, the most typical fleas found in homes are:
- Cat fleas
- Dog fleas
- Human fleas
- Bird fleas
- Ground squirrel fleas
- Oriental rat fleas
The most prevalent ectoparasite on household animals is cat fleas. Numerous mammals, including dogs, foxes, opossums, and raccoons, as well as domestic cats and dogs, can become home to cat fleas. They spread tapeworms and cause dermatitis from their bites.
Dog fleas, despite their name, are not only found on dogs. Humans, animals, and cats are also hosts of dog fleas. They have the same ability to spread tapeworms as cat fleas. However, contrary to cat fleas, infestations of dog fleas are uncommon in the US.
Are Fleas Common in NYC?
Indeed, fleas can be prevalent in New York City, particularly in areas with large pet populations. In New York, the most prevalent type of flea is Ctenocephalides Felis, also known as the cat flea.
While they are a year-round nuisance, fleas are most active in the spring and summer. Due to the warm weather, the flea season typically begins in April in New York.
Frequent preventive actions can reduce the number of fleas in NYC homes, including brushing pets, applying flea treatments, and maintaining clean living areas.
What Are the Signs of Fleas in Your Home?
Typically, the primary indication and symptom of fleas is irritation that results in itching and/or scratching. Fresh bites on humans usually cease to appear rather quickly because fleas prefer to live on our animal companions and use carpets, couches, and clothing as transportation between hosts.
It is critical to recognize the typical indicators of flea activity in order to stop an infestation before it gets out of control. So, make sure to keep an eye out for these indications:
- Pets that lick, scratch, or bite themselves more often than usual.
- Flea bites on the ankles or legs of anyone living in the house. Usually, these bites are little, elevated dots that show up in tiny clusters.
- Pepper-like specks in pet bedding or carpets, which could be flea dirt, a combination of dried blood and flea excrement.
- White, oval-shaped flea eggs that measure roughly 0.5 mm in size.
What Is the Best Method of Flea Control?
Despite the abundance of products on the market promising to eradicate fleas, studies reveal that the common cat flea has become resistant to numerous insecticides used to control fleas.
Due to their lengthy life cycle, fleas can be challenging to eradicate. It will take months to manage moderate to severe infestations, and a four-step procedure is needed for total eradication:
- Sanitize the Place: You need to make sure to thoroughly clean any areas where fleas often breed. This entails cleaning carpets, rugs, and pet bedding in addition to carefully vacuuming, sweeping, and vacuuming floors, carpeted areas, and the walls’ edges.
- Do a Thorough Pet Treatment: Every household pet needs to be taken care of. They should be thoroughly bathed in soap and water and then combed with a flea comb. To kill adult fleas, soap works as a mild insecticide.
- Start the Home Treatment: Start treating your pet and your home at the same time. This helps break the flea life cycle and maintains all treatments on the same schedule. You can find out which products are best for your home’s interior and yard by consulting with a licensed commercial pest control expert.
- Do Constant Follow-Ups: Two or more follow-up treatments within 5–10 days of the initial application are required to eradicate fleas at all life stages. During this time, vacuuming and good hygiene procedures should also be continued in order to remove any leftover eggs and young fleas.
Looking for Flea Control in Long Island, NY? – Call Optimum Pest Control
Based in Wantagh, NY, we, as Optimum Pest Control, have been providing services to the Long Island region for over 20 years.
We use cutting-edge techniques while remaining mindful of the need to protect the environment. We have built our business on word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied customers and providing exceptional customer service, so please check out the testimonials we’ve received.
Do not hesitate to contact us right away if you believe you have an infestation and require assistance. We’re open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 8 PM (8 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays).