Comprehensive Flea Control Guide: How to Protect Your Home, Yard, and Pets
Flea infestations are more than just a nuisance; they are a multi-billion dollar problem that can affect your family’s health and your pet’s well-being. With Americans spending over $9 billion annually on grooming and treatments, it’s clear that effective flea control requires a professional, strategic approach. Let us help you stop the itch with our effective flea control options.
Understanding the Enemy: Cat Flea Biology & Habits
The most common species in the U.S. is the Cat Flea (Ctenocephalides felis). To break the cycle of infestation, you must understand the four stages of their life cycle, which typically lasts 30–75 days.
The Flea Life Cycle
Stage
Characteristics
Key Facts
Egg
0.5 mm, oval, smooth
Adults lay 1/hour; they slide off pets into carpets easily.
Larvae
1.5–5 mm, translucent
They feed on “flea dirt” (adult flea fecal matter) in dark, humid areas.
Pupae
Silk cocoon
Sticky surface camouflages them with dirt; resistant to many products.
Adult
1–3 mm, reddish-brown
Emerge when they sense vibration or CO2; must have blood to breed.
Health Note: While rare, cat fleas can transmit plague and murine typhus. More commonly, they serve as intermediate hosts for dog tapeworms and cause severe allergic reactions in both humans and pets.
Our Professional Flea Treatment Process
A successful treatment requires a “Three-Front War”: the Home, the Yard, and the Pet.
1. Monthly Flea Treatments
If your pet is not on an flea treatment options such as Frontline Plus, having flea control in and around your home will not be as effective. It is almost always likely the fleas will continue to be an issue.
2. Interior Inspection & Treatment
We focus on “hot spots” where eggs and larvae develop, such as carpets, upholstered furniture, and pet resting areas.
Detailed Inspection: We locate high activity areas including cracks, crevices, and dark harborages.
Targeted Application: We treat room edges, under furniture, and rugs.
The “Vibration” Secret: We require customers to vacuum daily for 7 days post-treatment. The vibrations stimulate pupae to emerge, ensuring they come into contact with the product.
3. Exterior Yard Protection
Fleas thrive in shaded areas and tall grass. Our exterior service includes:
Identifying pet “hangouts” and shaded garden beds.
Repellents: Since some products won’t kill adults instantly, we use special repellents to create a defensive perimeter.
Safety First: Preparing for Your Service
To ensure the safety of your family and the efficacy of the treatment, please follow these Interior Safety Measures:
Vacate the Premises: Humans and pets must leave the home for 3–4 hours until the treatment is completely dry.
Aquatics & Birds: Cover all fish tanks/bowls and remove birds from the treatment area(s).
Clean Surfaces: Wash all pet bedding and rugs in hot water prior to our arrival.
Ongoing Prevention: Staying Flea-Free
Professional treatment is only half the battle. Long-term success depends on consistent prevention:
Skip the Collars: Pesticide and ultrasonic collars are often ineffective.
Topical or Ingestible Flea Medication: Ensuring your pet is receiving consistent flea treatments is the first step to having effective flea control.
Shampoo vs. Combs: Flea combs only remove 10%–60% of adults. Regular shampooing is better, as it removes the “flea dirt” (dried blood) that larvae need to survive.
Maintain the Yard: Keep grass short and limit wildlife access to your crawlspaces.
Ready to reclaim your home from fleas?
Give us a call/text to get one of our expert flea exterminator’s out now!
Frequently Asked Questions About Fleas and Extermination
How to control fleas in the yard?
To control fleas in your yard, it is best to go with our exterior flea control that treats the yard and high activity areas such as shaded spots. In addition, lawn maintenance by keeping the grass short is best practice.
What is the best flea control for dogs?
Interior and exterior flea control are the best flea control options for you dogs and pets that carry this pest.
Can pest control get rid of fleas?
Yes, flea control can rid of fleas as long as you are taking the preventative measures and follow our instructions that bring success.
What is the best flea control for dogs?
Topical or oral flea medication is the first step. If you suspect your pet has fleas while taking these types of medications, the next best step is flea control by one of our experts.
How much does flea pest control cost?
It depends on the severity of the fleas, as multiple treatments may be needed. In addition, it depends on the locations you’d like to cover such as interior and/or exterior of the home.
