Fleas are small insects that are parasites feeding on the blood of animals and humans. They are known for their great jumping ability, covering distances several times their body length, which makes it easy for them to move between hosts. Fleas cause a great deal of annoyance, especially in homes with pets.
Appearance: A small brown insect, flattened from the sides, fast-moving, living in animal fur or in bedding and carpets.
Jumping: It jumps several times its own body length, so infestation spreads quickly between the animal and the home.
Reproduction: The female lays many eggs that fall into bedding and cracks, which is why infestations return after treatment.
Harm: Itchy bites and skin allergy, and they may cause anemia in young animals.
The rule: Treat the pet and the home together, clean daily, and repeat the treatment according to the recommended interval.
What Fleas Look Like
- Size and color: A flea is about 1 to 4 mm long and dark brown or black.
- Hind legs: Strong hind legs that give it the ability to jump long distances.
- Mouthparts: Mouthparts designed to suck blood by piercing the skin.
The Flea Life Cycle
Fleas go through four main stages during their life, and each stage is an opportunity to target them:
- Egg: The female lays eggs in warm, damp places such as animal fur or cracks in the floor. Eggs can be eliminated by regular vacuuming.
- Larva: Larvae feed on organic matter and skin debris shed by the host. Insecticides that target larvae can limit their reproduction.
- Pupa: Larvae enter the cocoon stage, where they are highly protected. This stage can be controlled with steam or highly effective insecticides.
- Adult: Adult fleas emerge looking for a host to feed on. They can be eliminated with suitable insecticides applied to pets and infested areas.
Where Fleas Are Found
- Pets: such as cats and dogs, where they live in the fur.
- Home furnishings: such as carpets and sofas.
- Damp places: bathrooms and kitchens.
The Harm Fleas Cause
- Flea bites: cause itching and skin redness.
- Disease transmission: such as plague and typhus.
- Allergy: may cause serious allergic reactions.
How to Get Rid of Fleas
- Clean the home: Wash covers and clothes in hot water and clean carpets and furnishings regularly.
- Treat pets: With a suitable collar or shampoo.
- Use effective insecticides: Such as Demon Max, which kills fleas at all life stages, and Actellic, which helps reduce their numbers significantly.
Flea Insecticides Available at Orkida
International-brand products we offer to control fleas inside and around the home:
- K-Othrine 25 EC by Envu (formerly Bayer): An insecticide for flying and crawling insects, 1-liter bottle.
- Demon Max by Syngenta: An insecticide that controls more than 30 pests, including fleas, 500 ml bottle.
- Actellic 50 EC by Syngenta: An insecticide for crawling and flying insects, 1-liter bottle.
You will find all the options in the flea insecticides section. Do not spray household insecticides on pets or sleeping areas, and leave the place until the spray dries and the room is ventilated.
How Do You Know Your Home Has Fleas?
- Small red bites, often clustered around the ankles and legs, that cause intense itching.
- Small black specks on pet bedding or carpets, which are flea droppings.
- Very small insects jumping when you walk on carpeted floors or rugs.
- A pet constantly scratching its skin or biting its fur.
- A simple test: put on long white socks and walk across the carpet, and any fleas will show up on them.
A Step-by-Step Flea Control Plan
- Treat the pet first: Consult the veterinarian to choose the right product for the animal type and weight, and never use household insecticides on the animal.
- Wash the fabrics: Pet bedding, bed covers, and curtains near the infested areas should be washed in hot water and dried well.
- Vacuum daily: Carpets, corners, cracks, and under furniture for at least two weeks, then take out the vacuum bag immediately in a sealed bag outside the home.
- Spray the suitable insecticide: On carpet edges, floor edges, and the pet's resting places, following the label directions, taking children and pets out, and ventilating the place after spraying.
- Repeat the treatment: After about 10 to 14 days, because pupae resist the insecticide and hatch later.
Why Do Fleas Come Back After Control?
Fleas in the pupal stage stay protected by a sticky cocoon that dust adheres to, and they can remain dormant for weeks or longer until they sense the vibration, heat, and carbon dioxide from a nearby person or animal. That is why new fleas may appear days after spraying. This does not necessarily mean the insecticide failed, but that a new generation has emerged from the pupae. Other common causes include leaving one of the animals untreated, or fleas entering from the garden and stray cats.
Common Mistakes When Controlling Fleas
- Treating only the home and leaving the pet untreated, or the reverse.
- Not washing pet bedding and furnishings in hot water.
- Stopping after the first spray, even though eggs and pupae hatch after a few days.
- Vacuuming carpets without disposing of the vacuum bag immediately.
- Ignoring hidden places such as under furniture and carpet edges.
When Do You Need Professional Pest Control?
If the infestation has spread to most rooms of the home, persisted after treating the pet and spraying twice, or there are infants or people with severe allergies in the house, it is better to call a licensed pest control company instead of repeating the attempt yourself.
Summary
Fleas are not just a source of annoyance; they pose a health risk if they are not controlled effectively. By following the steps above and using suitable insecticides, you can secure a clean and safe environment. For more tips or to order a pest control service, do not hesitate to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fleas
How long does it take to get rid of fleas?
It usually takes several weeks, because pupae hatch in batches depending on temperature and humidity, so treatment needs repetition and follow-up.
Do fleas live on the human body?
They may bite people, but they prefer to settle on furry animals and do not colonize the human body the way they do on cats and dogs.
Is a vacuum cleaner alone enough?
It reduces eggs, larvae, and pupae in carpets and floors, but it is not enough on its own. The pet must be treated and a suitable insecticide must be used.
Do fleas transmit diseases?
They can cause very itchy allergic skin inflammation, and they may transmit some parasites such as tapeworm to the animal and sometimes to a person who swallows one by accident, so see a doctor if symptoms appear.