The Homeowner’s Guide To Evaluating And Understanding Flea Infestation In Northborough, Massachusetts
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Fleas are one of the most common pests found in homes and yards in Northborough, Massachusetts. They can cause discomfort, health issues, and make life unpleasant for those living in flea-infested environments. While flea infestations are more likely in warm-weather months, they can remain active year-round in ideal conditions. A homeowner needs to understand and actively evaluate any flea infestations in order to take proper action and protect themselves and their home.
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on warm-blooded animals and humans. An adult flea can measure as small as 1/12th of an inch, and they are most often reddish-brown in color. While fleas may look harmless, they can cause a range of problems, including skin irritation, allergic reactions, and the spread of disease. Fleas are also quite difficult to eliminate once they get inside the home or yard.
Spotting a Flea Infestation
Often, the first sign of a flea infestation is when people or pets in the home begin scratching. This could be a sign that fleas are actively biting and feeding on them. In more extreme cases’if the infestation is severe you might even see fleas hopping around the home or yard.
However, the most common sign of a flea infestation is the presence of flea dirt. Flea dirt is actually flea feces and is made of dried blood that the fleas have ingested. It appears as small black specks loosely scattered about. By following the dirt on a white surface or paper towel, you can get a better idea of the extent of the infestation since flea dirt will mostly be found in areas where the fleas or their hosts (like your pets) are commonly resting.
Understanding the Flea Lifecycle
Understanding the flea lifecycle is important to assessing the severity of a flea infestation and taking the appropriate steps to eliminate them.
The flea lifecycle begins with adult fleas laying eggs on the host they are currently biting (i.e. your pet or yourself) or in the pet’s bedding. The eggs then fall off the host and into the environment. From there, the eggs hatch and the larvae feed on organically available material, mainly dirt, before they pupate into adults. The entire process takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
If the infested environment is favorable, the adult fleas can then reproduce again and the lifecycle begins anew. But if the environment is unfavorable, they may not complete their lifecycle and will likely become dormant until the conditions are right. In this situation, it is still possible for fleas to survive for extended periods of time. Therefore, it is important to assess all the areas of the property where fleas may be lurking and try to eliminate them altogether.
Treating the Infestation
Unfortunately, flea infestations are not something that can be taken lightly. It is important to call in a professional pest management team, such as F&W Pest Control, to assess the extent of the issue and determine whether or not you need pest control services.
At F&W, we practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques to achieve optimal pest control with minimal use of pesticides. Our services are tailored to your specific pest control needs, whether for a one time service or year round protection.
After assessing the situation, we will recommend the treatments that will be most effective for your property. We can also provide proactive maintenance service to help keep fleas from returning.
Conclusion
Fleas can be an annoying and persistent problem for homeowners who find themselves dealing with an infestation. As with any pest problem, the key to dealing successfully with an infestation is an understanding of the lifecycle and effective treatment. F&W Pest Control offers residential and commercial services tailored to your specific needs to help keep your property pest-free.
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