FLEA IDENTIFICATION

(Siphonaptera)

Fleas are tiny parasites that feed on the blood of anything warm-blooded. They leave behind itchy, red spots that make these pests extremely disliked. The most common fleas in the Aiken area are cat fleas, and they usually bite cats, dogs, and humans. Fleas do not have wings but can jump as high as 8 inches. In relation to body size, if humans could jump as high as fleas, they could hop over skyscrapers!

What do fleas look like?

Fleas are tiny, dark reddish-brown insects. They are flat, have 6 legs and antennae. They have long legs and lay white, oval-shaped eggs so tiny, it can be difficult to see them without a magnifying glass. The easiest way to identify a flea infestation is when you see those tiny, black looking bugs hopping near your feet or off the fur of your pet.

Quick flea facts

Females can lay up to 2,000 eggs in their lifetime
Can live more than 100 days without feeding on blood
Feed from a variety of hosts, including humans, dogs, other domesticated animals, and birds
Do not fly but can jump several inches

Flea habits and behaviors

During their 100-day life span, a female flea can produce 400–500 offspring. They feed off of blood and once they have found a host, such as a human or an animal, they stay there at all times. Because they have no wings, they jump from place to place to find a food source. They not only infest human homes, they also infest homes of wild animals. Fleas are also often found on clothing or blankets. If you begin to see fleas in your home, it is possible that you already have a full-blown flea infestation.

Are fleas dangerous?

Fleas in South Carolina are not only the most common transmitter of the bubonic plague, but they are also known to transmit other bacterial diseases. They can also transfer tapeworms and cause pets to become anemic. If that wasn’t enough, their saliva can cause an allergic skin reaction in pets and people, and when they bite, they leave behind itchy, red bumps.

It is highly recommended that flea management becomes part of caring for your pet. Flea treatments should be purchased from your veterinarian to ensure effectiveness.

Does Aiken treat fleas?

You bet we do. Because fleas can reproduce so fast, be so hard to see, and nearly impossible to kill, it is important to trust a professional to help you get rid of fleas. Give us a call right away if you suspect a flea infestation.

Helpful Flea Articles

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How Can Aiken Pest Control Help?

At Aiken, our team is dedicated to providing effective pest control solutions to the pest problems in our community, no matter how big or small.

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