Fleas
Ctenocephalides felis
Fleas are tiny, dark reddish-brown insects measuring 1/16 to 1/8 inch long with flattened bodies designed for moving through pet fur. They have powerful hind legs capable of jumping up to 8 inches vertically. Cat fleas are the most common species affecting both cats and dogs. Adult fleas feed exclusively on blood and can consume 15 times their body weight daily.
Habitat & Behavior
Fleas live on host animals but their eggs, larvae, and pupae develop in carpets, pet bedding, upholstered furniture, and cracks in floors. Adults spend most of their time on pets while immature stages inhabit areas where pets rest. Flea larvae avoid light and burrow deep into carpet fibers and upholstery. The pupal stage can remain dormant for months, emerging when vibrations indicate a host is present.
Signs of Infestation
- Pets scratching, biting, or grooming excessively
- Small, dark insects moving quickly through pet fur
- Flea dirt (black specks that turn red when moistened) on pets or bedding
- Small red bite marks on ankles and lower legs, especially after sitting
- Flea eggs appearing as tiny white specks on pet bedding
- Sudden jumping insects on floors or carpets when walking through rooms
Health & Property Risks
Flea bites cause itchy, red welts and allergic dermatitis in both pets and humans. Heavy infestations can cause anemia in small pets due to blood loss. Fleas transmit diseases including murine typhus and tapeworms. Their saliva triggers severe allergic reactions in sensitive animals, leading to hair loss and skin infections. Flea populations explode rapidly - one female can produce up to 2,000 eggs in her lifetime.
Prevention Tips
- Treat all pets year-round with veterinarian-approved flea prevention
- Vacuum carpets, furniture, and pet areas frequently and dispose of bags
- Wash pet bedding in hot water weekly
- Groom pets regularly with flea combs to detect early infestations
- Keep grass mowed short and remove debris from yards
- Restrict pet access to areas where wildlife frequent
Professional Treatment Approach
Greenix's flea control requires treating both pets and the environment simultaneously. We apply professional insecticides and insect growth regulators to carpets, upholstery, baseboards, and pet resting areas. Our products target all life stages, preventing eggs and larvae from developing. Treatment includes cracks, crawl spaces, and outdoor areas where pets rest. Homeowners must vacuum thoroughly before treatment and coordinate with veterinarians for pet treatments. Multiple applications are usually necessary.
Related Pests
Other common specialty you might encounter
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects measuring 1/4 to 3/8 inch long with oval-shaped bodies. After feeding on blood, they become swollen and darker red. These nocturnal parasites hide during the day in cracks near sleeping areas and emerge at night to feed on humans. They're excellent hitchhikers, spreading through luggage, furniture, and clothing.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are slender, flying insects measuring 1/4 to 3/8 inch long with long legs and a prominent proboscis. Females require blood meals for egg development while males feed on nectar. These pests produce the distinctive high-pitched whining sound from their rapidly beating wings. Different species are active at different times - some bite during the day while others are active at dawn, dusk, or night.
Ticks
Ticks are small, blood-feeding arachnids measuring 1/8 to 1/4 inch long before feeding, expanding significantly when engorged. Common species include deer ticks (black-legged ticks), American dog ticks, and lone star ticks. These parasites are dangerous disease vectors that attach to humans and animals, feeding for several days if not removed. They're most commonly encountered in wooded areas, tall grass, and leaf litter.
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