The Cat Flea is the most common flea we encounter in Wisconsin, and will feed on cats, dogs, humans and other wildlife including raccoons, rabbits, opossums and mice. Your pets can pick up fleas by visiting areas where wild animals have introduced fleas. Fleas are also spread by other pets in places like kennels, dog parks, or by just taking your dog for a walk.

A typical infestation starts when your pet picks up a few fleas outside. Then the fleas get a blood meal and start laying eggs. The eggs fall off the pet and hatch into a larva. An adult cat flea will lay 25 eggs per day for 3 weeks. That adds up to over 500 eggs! The larvae feed on the fecal matter or dried up blood from the adult fleas. After feeding on this fecal matter the larvae pupate into a cocoon. They transform into an adult flea in 3 – 9 days and the process starts all over. Once established, fleas are difficult for the home owner to control. Don’t waste your money on flea bombs; you can have your home professionally treated, with a guarantee, for about the same cost. Flea bombs kill only the adult fleas leaving the eggs, larvae and papal stages untouched.

Our Professional Flea Treatment includes the application of a residual material that will provide fast kill of the adult fleas as well as the larvae and stay active long enough to kill newly emerging fleas. We also apply an insect growth regulator that will prevent the eggs from developing into adult fleas. This material can provide up to 7 months protection. Our treatment will kill the adults and the larvae, prevent the eggs from developing, and have a residual effect that will kill the newly emerging adult fleas. We can eliminate most flea infestations with one or two treatments.  Call today for a quote!

Flea Elimination Prep Sheet.pdf

 

Detecting Fleas

Flea infestations often go undetected until your pet has an allergic reaction to the bites. The saliva from flea bites is very irritating and causes your pet to bite and scratch. This will open sores that get infected. It is best to take your pet to the vet for treatment.

If you suspect fleas, a simple way of inspecting your pet is to put him over a light colored surface or a white sheet. Scratch around his belly, hind quarters and neck. Flea dirt will fall off and land on the sheet. Flea dirt is the feces of the adult fleas. It looks like pepper but is dried up blood. If you drop this dried up blood in warm water it will turn red as it dissolves.

Another way to detect fleas is to take a desk light and focus it onto a shallow bowl of water and dish soap. Place this overnight in an area where your pet rests or spends a lot of time. The adult fleas will jump at the light and drown in the water.

Flea Prevention

There are many excellent products on the market that will prevent flea infestations, but you must start using them before fleas get established. If you wait until July or August it’s too late. Among the products is Frontline. Frontline’s active ingredient will kill adult fleas as they feed on your pet. Flea collars are a waste of money, as they don’t repel fleas effectively or prevent the breeding cycle. Ask your veterarian what product is best for your pet.

Good sanitation within your home will help. Frequent vacuuming, washing pet bedding, and performing flea checks on your pets are all good practices. Running your air conditioning and keeping the humidity below 50% will prevent flea development.

Flea Management Guide – University of California

More Flea Info – Purdue University