Ridding a home of fleas can be a frustrating and costly endeavor, because unlike some pests encountered in the home, fleas cause discomfort and irritation for both pets and people. Fleas also account for more than half of all dermatological conditions requiring veterinary assistance in pets, and even a single flea bite to a hypersensitive animal or person may cause intense itching and irritation. For successful flea control, the home, pet, and oftentimes, the yard must be treated. Yet the manner in which these treatments are performed can greatly influence the results, which is why it’s so important to hire a professional like one of our technicians at Modern Exterminating. Check out the following information designed to help frustrated pet owners effectively rid their homes and pets of fleas, and remember that do not hesitate to call our Columbia flea control pros at Modern Exterminating for more information.

Essential facts about fleas:

• Adult fleas (the biting stage seen by pet owners) spend most of their time on the animal, not in the carpet. This is why treatment of the pet in conjunction with the pet’s environment is an essential step in ridding a home of fleas.
• Adult fleas lay all of their eggs (up to 50 per day) on the pet. However, the eggs soon fall off the animal into carpeting, beneath the cushions of furniture, and wherever else the pet rests, sleeps, or spends most of its time. This is where homeowners should focus control measures.
• After hatching, flea eggs develop into tiny, worm-like larvae. Larvae remain hidden deep in carpet fibers, beneath furniture cushions and in other protected areas. The larvae feed mainly on adult flea feces (dried blood) that accumulates, along with the eggs, in pet resting and activity areas.
• Before becoming adult fleas, the larvae transform into pupae within a silk-like cocoon. Pupae remain inside the cocoon for two to four weeks (sometimes longer.) The cocoon is resistant to insecticides and this is why some adult fleas are seen for an extended period of time, even after the home and pet are treated.

What Do Flea Bites Look Like?

In humans, flea bites usually occur on the lower body on places like ankles or feet, but they can happen anywhere. They tend to be grouped together and have a scabbed, red appearance. Some people may not have much of a reaction at all to fleas and only notice flea activity on their pets.

Flea Treatment on Your Columbia Home’s Premises

If you neglect to treat your pet’s environment, you will miss more than 90% of the developing flea population: the eggs, larvae, and pupae. If your pet spends time indoors, the interior of the home should also be treated.

Before treatment, the pet owner should:

1. Remove all toys, clothing, and stored items from floors, under beds, and in closets. This step is essential so that all areas will be accessible for treatment.
2. Remove pet food and water dishes, cover fish tanks, and disconnect their aerators.
3. Wash, dry-clean, or destroy all pet bedding.
4. Vacuum!

This last step is particularly important, as vacuuming removes many of the eggs, larvae and pupae developing within the home. Vacuuming also stimulates pre-adult fleas to emerge sooner from their insecticide-resistant cocoons, thus hastening their contact with insecticide residues in the carpet. By raising the nap of the carpet, vacuuming improves the insecticide’s penetration down to the base of the carpet fibers where the developing fleas live. 

Always vacuum thoroughly before flea treatment, especially in areas where pets rest or sleep. Don’t forget to vacuum along edges of rooms and beneath furniture, cushions, beds, and throw rugs. After vacuuming, seal the vacuum bag in a garbage bag and discard it in an outdoor trash container.

Insecticide Application for Your Columbia, SC Flea Problem

Once fleas become established in a home, insecticides are almost always needed to control them. It is important to always read and follow label directions on the insecticide container. Other than the person performing the application, people and pets should be out of the house during treatment. People and pets should also remain off treated surfaces until the spray has dried. This may take several hours, depending on carpet type, ventilation, and method of application. Opening windows and running the fan or air conditioner after treatment will enhance drying and minimize odor.

Products Modern Exterminating may recommend for flea treatment include:

Most homeowners will find aerosol formulations easier to apply than liquids. Moreover, aerosol products which can be dispensed by hand – and thus directed under and behind beds, furniture, etc. – tend to be more effective than “foggers” or “bug bombs” which are indiscriminately set off in the center of a room. It is essential that the application be thorough and includes all likely areas of flea development. Carpets, throw rugs, under and behind beds and furniture, and beneath cushions on which pets sleep should all be treated. Pay particular attention to areas where pets spend time or sleep, as these will be the areas where most flea eggs, larvae, and pupae will be concentrated. For example, if the family cat sleeps within a closet, or hides under the bed, these areas must be treated or the problem will continue. Hardwood and tile floors generally do not require treatment, but should be thoroughly vacuumed.

Expect to see some fleas for two to four weeks or longer following treatment. Provided all infested areas were treated initially, these “survivors” are probably newly emerged adults which have not yet succumbed to the insecticide. Instead of retreating the premises immediately, continue to vacuum. As noted earlier, vacuuming stimulates the insecticide-resistant pupae to hatch, bringing the newly emerged adults into contact with the insecticide sooner. Flea traps, such as those utilizing a light and glue board to attract and capture adult fleas, can be helpful but will not eliminate a flea infestation unless used in combination with other methods. If adult fleas continue to be seen beyond two to four weeks, retreatment of the premises (and pet) may be necessary.

For Professional Flea Control Service in Columbia & Surrounding Areas, Call Today

If you are looking for affordable pest control, Modern Exterminating has you covered. We proudly offer a number of deals and specials to accommodate your budget. We also provide complimentary consultations, so you never have to commit to service before you are comfortable. Our Columbia, SC flea exterminators are highly trained and certified to get the job done right, so you can always trust our treatment recommendations. And as a local, family-owned company with experience dating back to 1955, you won’t find a more committed flea control company in the area than Modern Exterminating.

To request flea or other pest control service in Columbia now, call (803) 205-2744, or send us a message online.