Flea Infestation? Know Everything About Them
You must have heard about fleas; they are those blood-sucking parasites that you can find inside your home. If you have pets at your home, especially a dog or a cat, your home is prone to infestation. They usually feed on animal blood, but this does not mean they cannot bite humans. They do so if they must.
These insects also have mighty legs, hind legs in particular. They do not have wings, but they can jump because of their powerful hind legs. They can even cross many rooms and get to yours if you live in an apartment. In Coppell, Texas, coming across fleas or many other pests is not unusual.
You are likely giving space to one of the pests right now. Some pests are really sneaky, and you may not get any idea about their infestation until they are done, causing a lot of damage around your place. Fleas have around two thousand species.
They are considered to be common pests, especially in homes where some pets are present. Check it out to know how you can control their infestation.
What do fleas look like in appearance?
Most of their species share common characteristics, so we will look at them one by one. Fleas have flat and reddish-brown bodies, but they are not to be mistaken for bed bugs. Fleas are much smaller in size as compared to bed bugs. Their body is oval in shape.
They also have six legs that are powerful enough to help them cross long distances. They are really good at jumping despite not having any wings. They can also be under the thick fur of your pets, and you will not be able to spot them. They can also be present on the carpet, but you will have to look really closely to spot them.
What does their habitat include, and what is their behavior like?
They are good at adapting to different environments and can even survive in harsh climates. They usually prefer living in spaces that are dark and remain warm and humid. If they are out somewhere, then they prefer living under leaves so that they can easily attach themselves to any animal passing by.
If they are inside your home, then you are likely to see them wherever your pet goes. Pet bedding, carpets, and furniture are all possible places, but not limited to where you may find them. During the daytime, they remain semi-active, but at night, they are fully active. This allows the females to lay eggs.
What do fleas prefer to eat?
You might have an idea by now that they prefer feeding on blood. The adult fleas among them usually prefer feeding on warm-blooded animals, especially those that have long fur. They give larvae, and they develop on the surface of the floor.
They even feed on flea feces and can eat dead insects, too, apart from sucking blood or feeding on dried blood. There are many species of fleas that prefer feeding on animals rather than humans. They can easily adapt to a new environment and get to a new host easily.
What are some of the common flea types found in the United States?
There are many different types of fleas that one can see, but the ones that are seen inside homes are a few. Let us look at them:
- Dog fleas
- Human fleas
- Cat fleas
There are some other flea species, too, which include
- Sticktight fleas
They prefer living in warm climates, and their hosts include chickens. They can also be present in dogs or cats at times.
- Oriental rat fleas
They can be found in tropical or warm regions. They are known to bite humans occasionally. They primarily bite rodents.
Protect your pets from fleas!
Pets can fall sick if the fleas remain on their skin for a long time. If you notice even a single flea on your pet, get it removed. You may also have fleas in your home; thus, contacting a pest control company can help with such scenarios.