Treatment & Prevention
Fleas can be one of the most annoying and uncomfortable pests to live with. These insects are not only a nuisance to humans and their pets, but may also contribute to skin irritation and problems like flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), and can lead to more severe health problems. Since they can feed off of blood from multiple hosts, they also harbor the potential to transmit disease (think bubonic plague).

Treating for fleas can be a tricky and in-depth process, for several reasons. Since a large portion of a flea’s life is not actually spent on the host, (over 95%)  simply treating for fleas on the animal or human will not get rid of this pest. Thorough treatment of the entire living environment is also necessary.

Flea Control at All Stages of Development

Since an existing flea infestation is usually comprised of hundreds, thousands or perhaps millions of fleas at varying stages of development, a general rule of thumb is to assume that the population consists of 50% eggs, 35% larvae, 10% pupae, and 5% adults. This poses a challenge to control because most flea control formulations cannot penetrate into the eggs and/or pupae, leaving 60% of the infestation unscathed. Indoor treatments include the application of adulticide, to control the adult flea population, and/or growth regulator (IGR) to prevent the development of larvae and pupae during the growth process.

Flea Identification and Life Cycle

Fleas are very tiny (only 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch long), wingless insects that can jump about 7 inches high, and feed on living hosts, such as house pets (dogs and cats) and even humans. They are usually dark colored and difficult to see unless they are against a contrasting backdrop like skin or light colored sock.

Integrated Pest Management for Flea Control
Innovative Pest Solutions promotes an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach that involves working with the homeowner to completely eradicate fleas at all stages of development. On the homeowner’s part, thorough vacuuming and washing linens in hot water, both before and after treatment are a necessary step in clearing the infestation.

Fleas pass through a life cycle consisting of the following stages: Egg, Larva, Pupa, and Adult, which varies from 2 weeks to 8 months depending on physical and environmental factors. Female fleas lay about 45 to 50 eggs per day (up to 600 in a lifetime). Eggs are often laid on the hosts themselves (wild animals, pets, and sometimes even humans), and usually end up rolling off and hatching in the resting places (beds, couches, carpet, kennels, etc.) of their hosts.

Innovative Pest Solutions can control fleas in your home and around your properly with a one-time pest control treatment.  During the treatment process we ask you to vacuum your home before and after treatment and for the next two weeks.  Due to the life cycle of this insect you can expect a large reduction immediately after treatment, after two weeks the infestation will be almost gone and at the three week mark, the flea population will  be gone.  If not, we will return at no extra charge to re-treat the property.  Call us today for more information and/or to schedule an appointment.