Fleas

If you're among the millions of Americans who live with pets, you should be aware that you're more likely than ever to also be living with fleas. Weather conditions over much of the country have been ideal to promote increased flea activity this season.

Fleas can transmit the disease organisms that cause bubonic plague, typhus, tularemia and tape worm. In any flea infestation there are four stages of the flea life cycle present: the egg, larva, cocoon, and the adult. While the adult is the most visible stage of the flea development, it accounts for only 1% of a typical infestation. Adult female fleas feed then lay their eggs on a host. Their eggs make up 34% of the infestation, flea eggs fall off the host into carpet and upholstery where they hatch into worm-like larvae after 1-10 days. Larvae make up the majority of a flea population, as much as 57%. After feeding for 5-11 days, they begin to produce a silk like cocoon and enter the pupal stage. New adults fleas usually emerge from the pupal stage in 8 days.

They can also cause anemia in your pet and they can bite humans.

• Check your home and animal frequently. Pay attention to the pet's resting areas and carpeted areas where the pet frequents.
• Vacuum carpeting, baseboards, furniture and pet's bedding frequently. Seal vacuum bags and dispose of them immediately.
• If your pet seems particularly susceptible to fleas, check with your veterinarian. He may be able to prescribe medication to help with the problem.

If you have a persistent flea problem, call us, we can help control the fleas inside your home and outside.

Prevention: Trim lawns and weeds to create a drier, less-ideal environment for flea larvae. Avoid piles of sand and gravel around the home for long periods of time. Fence yards to prevent dogs from roaming freely in heavily infested areas or contacting other infested animals. Discourage nesting or roosting of rodents and birds on or near the premises. Screen or seal vents, chimneys, crevices, etc. where rats, mice, squirrels, raccoons, chipmunks, etc. may use to enter crawlspaces and buildings. Wash or destroy pet bedding, regularly groom pets and vacuum frequently to remove up to 95 percent of the flea eggs, some larvae and adults. Only about 20 percent of the larvae might be removed when vacuuming since they wrap themselves around the bottom strands of carpeting.