Act Now - Limited Time Offer
$67 Pest Control
Chris Barber
Pest Control Technician
Chris Mosby
Pest Control Technician
Mackenzie Keene
Office Manager
Rancho San Diego homes often face infestations of cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis). These small, reddish-brown insects, about 1/8 inch in size, live on cats and dogs, feeding on their blood. This can result in itching, hair loss, and even anemia in severe cases. Cat fleas can also bite humans, leaving behind itchy, red welts that might trigger allergic reactions.
The life cycle of a cat flea consists of egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Female fleas lay between 20 and 50 eggs each day, which fall into bedding and carpets. The larvae feed on organic material and develop in humid, protected areas. The full life cycle takes around 18 days, with adult fleas living for up to 40 days on the host.
Dog fleas, scientifically named Ctenocephalides canis, are parasitic insects that prefer dogs but can also bite cats and humans. These fleas are smaller and less common than cat fleas in California. They are reddish-brown, wingless, and hard to detect on pets. Dog fleas feed on blood, causing itching and discomfort. They can also transmit parasites, such as tapeworms.
Dog fleas follow a life cycle that includes eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. The eggs are often dislodged from the host and land in areas like carpets or bedding. Larvae feed on organic matter and flea droppings. Pupae develop inside cocoons, which can remain dormant for several months. Adult fleas live for weeks, feeding and reproducing regularly.
Sticktight fleas commonly infest ground squirrels and poultry, where they attach to the ears and eyes of their hosts. This can cause discomfort and potential health risks. Pets that spend time outdoors are particularly vulnerable, especially in areas with ground squirrels. Regular pet inspections help catch infestations early.
Treatment involves both the pets and their surroundings. Be sure to treat the pet and its bedding simultaneously. For homes with outdoor pets, indoor and outdoor areas need to be inspected and treated thoroughly.
At Rancho San Diego Pest Control, we begin our flea treatment with a comprehensive inspection of your yard. We focus on flea-prone zones, particularly where your pets frequent. This helps us target our treatments effectively. Our technicians assess shaded areas and thick foliage for signs of fleas.
Indoors, we inspect baseboards, cracks, and crevices, as well as pet bedding, carpets, and furniture. This ensures that all potential flea habitats are identified. A thorough inspection is key to a successful flea treatment plan.
Before we arrive for your flea treatment, please take the following steps. Trim the lawn outside. Inside, clear all items from the floor, such as toys and rugs. Vacuum carpets, under beds, and closet floors, and throw away the vacuum bag. Sweep and mop all floors. Treat your pets and wash their bedding on the same day. Your home needs to remain vacant for 2-3 hours while the treatment dries.
We start by inspecting your yard and treating hotspots, covering up to half an acre. Indoors, liquid treatments are applied to baseboards, cracks, and crevices. Floors may be slippery but will dry quickly. Using fans or air movers can speed up drying.
Rancho San Diego Pest Control provides a free follow-up treatment two weeks after the initial service to ensure that any newly hatched fleas are eradicated. This follow-up visit is key to achieving full elimination. Our technician will perform the same detailed treatment in the areas treated during the first visit.
We suggest vacuuming carpets and sweeping floors regularly after the initial treatment to stimulate flea eggs to hatch, making the follow-up even more successful. Additionally, keeping your pets treated and their bedding clean is crucial for preventing re-infestation.
Serving Rancho San Diego and its nearby areas, we’re here to keep your spaces pest-free. Our dedicated team cares about these communities and is focused on providing top-notch service and proven results.
Limited time offer! Get $50 off your first pest control service.
Barrier Services
Rancho San Diego Office
© Rancho San Diego Pest Control 2024