The Different Ways Homeowners Can Evaluate Flea Control In Lexington, MA
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Fleas are a nuisance for homeowners all across the United States. The small, resilient pests can cause an array of problems, from itchy bites to allergic reactions to an eventual infestation. Left unchecked, these creatures can become a major pest issue in a home, particularly in humid climates like Lexington, Massachusetts.
But, even though flea infestations can get out of hand quickly, plenty of people don’t consider getting professional help when it comes to getting rid of them. In fact, many homeowners try to take measures on their own, often using outdated and ineffective methods of flea control. In order to combat fleas and properly evaluate the most successful ways of flea control, it is important for homeowners to understand the steps necessary for effective treatments and to take a deeper look at which preventative measures work best for their specific homes and situations.
Flea Life Cycle
The first step to understanding flea control is to understand the flea’s life cycle. As with many insects, fleas have four separate and distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
The female flea lays her eggs in the fur of the animal she’s infesting; however, these eggs often fall off quickly and land in the environment. This is why fleas are often found in a home’s carpets, furniture, and other soft surfaces. Once these eggs hatch, the larvae feed off organic matter in their surroundings and eventually form into the pupa stage, where the flea is protected by a cocoon-like covering. It is only during the adult stage that the fleas become mobile and begin to bite.
Since female fleas can lay over 1,000 eggs throughout their entire lifetimes, understanding how rapidly one flea can produce so many eggs is important when understanding flea control.
Common Flea Control Myths
Because fleas are so resilient and have such a quick life cycle, many people find themselves searching for easy solutions. Unfortunately, there are many myths about flea control that are passed down from generation to generation that can be ineffective and costly when not done properly.
For instance, many believe that salt, commercial flea traps, or even setting the entire home or lawn on fire (emphasis on the word ?fire?) would do the trick. However, many of these methods have very little scientific evidence that they are an effective flea control solution. In fact, some of these methods can be dangerous and even cause more harm than good.
Therefore, it is important to understand which flea control methods are the most effective, as well as the safest, before opting for DIY solutions.
Flea Control in Lexington, MA
For residents of Lexington, there are a few simple flea control methods that homeowners can take to prevent or treat an infestation. These methods include vacuuming carpets and furniture, washing bedding weekly, and using chemical treatments for specific areas.
Vacuuming
Consistent vacuuming of carpets and furniture is a great way to help prevent fleas from making a home. Vacuuming will help to remove eggs and small larvae that may be hiding in carpets or furniture. It’s important to focus on areas most heavily used by pets and to dispose of the vacuum bag after each cleaning.
Washing
It is also important to wash bedding, including pet beds, blankets, and even stuffed animals, at least once a week on a hot cycle. This helps to remove eggs and larvae that may be hiding in the fabric.
Chemical Treatments
Finally, chemical treatments, such as insecticides, can be used to target specific areas where fleas may be hiding. These treatments should always be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions in order to be effective and safe. It is also important to focus on areas that pets use the most, such as beds and carpets.
Professional Help
Though these flea control methods can help, professional pest control help may be needed to ensure that an infestation has been completely eliminated. Professional help can also help to identify if there is a bigger issue, such as other pests, that need to be addressed.
F&W Pest Control is a great option for many of Lexington’s homeowners. They offer a broad spectrum of Massachusetts pest control services, including general pest control services, wildlife removal, and termite control. They also provide residential pest control services, commercial pest control and industrial pest control services.
F&W’s integrated pest management approach (IPM) provides the professional quality you need with the environmentally responsible quality of a DIY approach. Trust the expert exterminators at F&W to get rid of your mosquitoes this season. Get a free quote to start debugging your space today.
Conclusion
Fleas can be a serious pest problem for homeowners, particularly in humid climates like Lexington, Massachusetts. Understanding the flea life cycle is key to understanding how to prevent and treat an infestation, as most DIY solutions are either time consuming, expensive, and/or ineffective. Some of the most effective measures for flea control can include vacuuming carpets and furniture, washing bedding regularly, and using chemical treatments for specific areas. If DIY solutions are ineffective, homeowners can contact a professional pest control service like F&W Pest Control to ensure that an infestation has been properly taken care of.
Pest Control Near Me
Searching for an easy fix to your pest problems? Here at F&W Pest Control, our exterminators will treat an array of different pest issues including termites, bed bugs, mosquitoes, and more! Long-term protection is right at your reach with the help of our highly trained team of exterminators in the Greater Boston area. Don’t allow pests to take over your home, put your trust in our pest control services to ensure a pest-free home. With our help, you won’t have to spend any more free time implementing DIY extermination methods!
