Fleas are small insects that use their powerful rear legs for jumping, most commonly onto a warm-blooded animal. Using special mouthparts often described as “needle-like,” fleas pierce the skin and imbibe blood. Both male and female fleas consume blood and generally prefer the blood of pets or other animals more than human blood.
When an animal host is unavailable, fleas will usually target humans. Other animals that fleas feed on include deer, squirrels, raccoons, and more.
What attracts fleas? Once developing fleas emerge from a cocoon, they will move toward light, heat, and the carbon dioxide that humans and animals generate.
Are fleas becoming a serious problem in your home? Contacting a licensed pest control professional is strongly encouraged. A professional Pensacola pest control company maintains a team of properly trained technicians who know how to get rid of fleas fast and the most effective preventative measures.
Fleas: Facts and Identification
Fleas thrive in the warm and humid weather conditions here in Florida. Fleas have a somewhat flat body style with six legs and antennae that range in length from 1/12 to 1/6 of an inch and appear in shades of red or brown. Without preventative treatment for fleas, pets will exhibit symptoms that include excessive scratching, redness, and sometimes hair loss. In many cases, homeowners will notice tiny scattered flea excrement that resembles ground black pepper.
Are fleas parasites? Yes. Fleas rely on hematophagy for survival, which is the process of feeding on the blood of a host. Experts often refer to adult fleas as ectoparasites or sedentary parasites.
Humans bitten by fleas often develop small reddish spots that feel itchy and irritated. Although fleas will bite domestic animals throughout their bodies, they will typically bite humans on the feet, ankles, or legs.
What diseases do fleas carry? Fleas are known carriers of bubonic plague, tularemia, murine typhus, and other harmful health concerns.
Do Fleas Die Without A Host?
How long can fleas in Pensacola live without food? In the absence of blood, fleas will lose any reproductive capacity; however, fleas may survive for several months without a blood meal.
Is It True That Fleas Burrow Under Skin?
Sand fleas (Tunga penetrans), also called Chigoe fleas, can burrow into human or animal skin and may lay eggs. Fortunately, the species is most prevalent in South America, the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa.
Don't Let Fleas Take Over Your Home
Part of the reason why EnSec Pest & Lawn achieves such excellent results for our customers struggling with fleas and similar insects involves our expertise. For example, we now employ an Associate Certified Entomologist. The field of entomology is the study of insects and how they interact with other forms of life on our earth. An entomologist might work in industries including agriculture, livestock, public health, and more.
Did you know the local experts with EnSec Pest & Lawn also deliver results for property owners in Pensacola facing intrusions involving cockroaches, bed bugs, rodents, and a host of other bothersome pests that might create health-related concerns? Our qualified technicians will take the time to properly address any worries and answer any questions that you might have and explain the most logical treatment plan for your home. We never approach pest-related concerns from a “one-size-fits-all” perspective and understand the importance of creating a customized solution tailored for your home.
Another reason Pensacola homeowners should choose the team with EnSec Pest & Lawn for ousting pests is that we always back our service with a satisfaction guarantee. Our commitment to providing top-quality customer service remains evident, as we maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (B.B.B.). Contact our friendly staff today regarding an inspection.