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FLEA INFORMATION SHEET
LIFE HISTORY AND HABITS - The most frequently found
flea is the cat flea. Their eggs are sufficiently
large to be seen with the naked eye. They are smooth,
translucent, glistening and oval. The eggs are usually
laid on the host, but not attached to the body of
the host and they fall off when shaken or scratched
off. Places where a pet frequents or rests will
have the greatest number. There are fewer eggs in
areas adjacent to windows or commonly traveled areas.
There are three stages - larvae, pupae, and adult.
Adult cat fleas are found on dogs and cats year
round
HEALTH FACTORS - Fleas are common sources of skin
lesions in humans. The bite of a flea varies with
the species and the person bitten. Sometimes a flea
bite is mistaken for a rash. There is a central
small, red spot, and around it there is a red halo;
there is never much swelling.
Eradication of fleas on your pet and in the environment
is critical because a single bite may result in
the animal’s discomfort and dermatitis. The
cat, dog, and human flea are the intermediate host
of dog tapeworm. The flea larvae ingests tapeworm
eggs and the immature tapeworm develops in the larvae
and adult flea. Ingestion of the infected adult
flea by a pet or human results in the establishment
of the tapeworm.
PHYSICAL CONTROL OF FLEAS - The pet’s blankets
and washable pillows should be washed in the highest
water temperature allowable. If the family is also
being bit, bedding should also be washed in the
highest water temperature allowable. Fleas are attracted
to white and to females more than males. To test
and see if an area is infested with fleas, place
a white towel down and routinely inspect it. Also,
avoid walking around in white socks.
Prior to a residential flea treatment, the home
should be thoroughly vacuumed. Flea eggs, larvae
and pupae may be found more often around pet resting
areas. If the pet rests on the sofa or chair, the
seat cushion should be removed and the peripheral
cracks below, where pencils or coins are usually
found, should be vacuumed thoroughly. Flea eggs
gravitate to this area so larvae and pupae may be
found there in abundance. Particular attention should
also be paid to areas between the baseboard and
the floor. Vacuuming can be helpful in removing
fleas from closets, behind and under furniture,
and in other so-called “quiet zones”.
Vacuuming stimulates adult emergence from cocoons
and will remove 90 percent of the adult fleas from
carpeting and upholstery. After vacuuming, immediately
discard the vacuum bag outside the home within a
sealed plastic bag.
EXTERIOR CHEMICAL TREATMENT - In the warmer months
outdoor areas may become infested with fleas. Therefore,
to help maintain a flea free environment, we recommend
that yards be treated twice annually with Talstarâ
granules.
INTERIOR ODORLESS TREATMENT WITH ONGOING PROTECTION
- Fleas are adaptive and have become resistant to
many chemical sprays. Fleas can be a year-round
problem. They have the ability to remain dormant
in carpeting for up to two years. The best solution
is to stop the carpeting from being a breeding ground
for fleas. A single, annual application of RX FOR
FLEAS PLUS® makes it impossible for fleas to
survive in carpets, upholstery, cracks, and crevices.
It offers long term environmentally sound control
of fleas within your home environment. In addition,
it helps to neutralize carpet odors; is effective
against carpet beetles, clothes moths and dust mites;
and it eliminates fungus, mold and mildew. After
the interior of your home has been treated, eggs
will continue to hatch for 8 to 30 days. Therefore,
it is important to continue to thoroughly vacuum
all areas regularly and discard the vacuum bags.
No treatment, whether chemical or non-chemical can
kill a flea egg. After hatching, the flea will feed
and return to the carpet environment. Once within
the carpet environment, it will be killed. Therefore,
after the initial 30 day period, your home will
be flea free for one year. To maintain a flea free
environment, it is important to reschedule a treatment
on an annual basis. We will send you a renewal notice
to remind you.
Once again, thank you for choosing J R G Termite
and Pest Control for your flea control treatment.
We also offer complete pest control and wildlife
services, and would be happy to discuss a customized
program to fit your individual needs.
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