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Chris Barber
Pest Control Technician
Jakob Beltran
Pest Control Technician
Jackie Murphy
Sales Representative
La Mesa homes often deal with cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis), reddish-brown insects about 1/8 inch long, commonly found on cats and dogs. These fleas feed on pets’ blood, causing itching, hair loss, and anemia in severe cases. Cat fleas can also bite humans, leaving behind itchy, red welts and sometimes causing allergic reactions.
The flea’s life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Female fleas lay 20-50 eggs each day, which fall into carpets and bedding. Larvae feed on dried blood and develop in humid areas. The complete life cycle takes about 18 days, with adult fleas living up to 40 days on their host.
Dog fleas, known as Ctenocephalides canis, are parasitic insects that commonly infest dogs but may also affect cats and humans. They look similar to cat fleas but are less common in California. These reddish-brown, wingless insects are tiny and difficult to detect. They feed on the blood of their hosts, leading to itching and irritation, and may also transmit tapeworms.
The life cycle of dog fleas includes four stages: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. Flea eggs fall from the host onto bedding or carpets. The larvae feed on organic debris and adult flea waste. Pupae form in cocoons and may remain dormant for months. Adult fleas live for several weeks, feeding regularly and reproducing.
Sticktight fleas are commonly found on ground squirrels and poultry, attaching tightly to their hosts’ ears and eyes. This can cause irritation and potential health concerns. Pets that roam outside, especially in areas with ground squirrels, are at a higher risk. Regular inspections of pets can help catch infestations early.
Treatment involves addressing both pets and their environment. It’s important to treat pets and their bedding on the same day. Homes with outdoor pets should also inspect and treat both indoor and outdoor areas.
La Mesa Pest Control starts its flea control service with a careful inspection of your yard. We look for flea hotspots in areas where your pets spend the most time, allowing us to focus our treatment on the worst spots. Our technicians thoroughly check shaded areas and dense foliage for fleas.
Indoors, we target baseboards, cracks, and crevices, which are common flea hiding places. We also inspect pet bedding, carpets, and furniture to ensure no flea breeding grounds are missed. This inspection is essential for effective flea control.
Before your flea treatment, follow these steps. Trim your lawn outside. Inside, remove all items from the floors, including toys and mats. Vacuum carpets, under furniture, and closet floors, then discard the vacuum bag. Sweep and mop all hard floors. Treat pets and wash their bedding on the same day. The house needs to be empty for 2-3 hours while the treatment dries.
We begin with a yard inspection to locate flea hotspots, treating up to half an acre. Indoors, liquid treatments are applied to baseboards, cracks, and crevices. Floors might be slippery but will dry quickly. Fans or air movers can help with faster drying.
La Mesa Pest Control includes a free follow-up treatment two weeks after the initial flea service. This second visit is vital for targeting any newly hatched fleas. Our technician will repeat the same detailed treatment in all previously treated areas to ensure full eradication.
To boost effectiveness, we suggest vacuuming carpets and sweeping floors after the first treatment. This will help encourage flea eggs to hatch, making the follow-up more successful. Keep pets treated and bedding clean to avoid re-infestation.
Serving La Mesa and its neighboring areas, we’re here to keep your spaces pest-free. Our team is passionate about these communities and always strives to provide outstanding service and dependable results.
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