My dog, Sampson, has fleas. I never thought I’d say those words. But it’s true. He’s itchy, and I can see the little buggers jumping around in his fur. Even though I give him a bath every week and keep his area clean, the fleas won’t disappear. At this point, I’m considering hiring an exterminator.
But before you call an exterminator, it’s important to understand when fleas are most active and what kind of treatment will work best for your situation. In this blog post, I’ll share what I’ve learned about dealing with fleas so that you can make the best decision for yourself and your pet.
When are fleas most active?
Fleas are most active in warm weather and reproduce quickly in humid conditions. Female fleas can lay up to 50 eggs daily, hatching in as little as two days. Once they hatch, the flea larvae burrow into carpeting or furniture to develop into adults, which can take anywhere from two weeks to eight months.
That said, there are particular times when fleas can be much more active:
Spring and fall
Fleas are most active in the spring and fall when the weather is warm and humid. This is because fleas thrive in warm, moist environments. During these times of the year, it’s important to be extra vigilant in treating your pet for fleas.
When it’s raining
Fleas are also more active when it’s raining, and this is because the rain provides them with the moisture they need to survive. Additionally, the rain can help to wash away any insecticides that may have been applied to your pet, making them less effective.
When there’s a full moon
Fleas are also more active during a full moon, and this is because the extra light from the moon makes it easier for them to find their way around. Additionally, the increased activity of other animals during a full moon can provide fleas more opportunities to feed.
When you have guests over
Fleas are also more likely to be active when you have guests over. This is because they’re attracted to humans’ warmth and carbon dioxide. Additionally, if your guests bring their own pets into your home, they could carry fleas that could infest your own pet.
Anytime your pet is stressed.
Fleas are also more likely to be active anytime your pet is stressed. This could be due to a change in their environment. One example is moving to a new home or being introduced to a new pet. Stress can also cause your pet’s immune system to weaken, making them more susceptible to flea infestations.
How to know if you have a flea infestation
It’s hard to tell if you have a flea infestation in your home until it gets so bad you or your pets have bites. That said, here are some telltale signs you may have a flea infestation:
You have bites that itch.
If you have itchy bites, there’s a good chance you have fleas. Flea bites usually appear in groups of three or four, which can be very itchy. If you have bites that you can’t seem to stop scratching, it’s time to check for fleas.
You see fleas on your pet.
If you see fleas on your pet, there’s a good chance your home is infested as well. Fleas can jump from animal to animal, so if you see them on your pet, it’s time to start looking around your home for signs of an infestation.
You see fleas in your home.
If you see fleas in your home, it’s time to take action. Fleas can lay eggs and multiply quickly, so getting rid of them as soon as possible is important.
You have pets that spend time outdoors.
If you have pets that spend time outdoors, they may bring fleas into your home. Be sure to check them for fleas regularly and take steps to prevent an infestation in your home.
You live in an area with a lot of animals.
If you live in an area with many animals, there’s a greater chance of fleas entering your home. Be sure to take steps to prevent an infestation, such as keeping your pets indoors and using insecticide sprays around the perimeter of your home.
You’ve seen rodents in your home.
If you’ve seen rodents in your home, there’s a good chance they’re carrying fleas as well. Be sure to take steps to get rid of the rodents and prevent them from returning to your home.
Your home is dusty and cluttered.
Fleas thrive in dusty and cluttered environments. If your home is messy and dusty, it is more likely that fleas will be able to find a place to hide and breed. This increases the chances of an infestation.
You live in an area with a lot of trees and bushes.
If you live in an area with many trees and bushes, such as woods or forests, you are more likely to have a flea infestation. This is because these areas provide ideal breeding grounds for fleas due to the presence of many animals and the lack of human activity to disrupt their breeding.
What kind of treatment should you use to get rid of fleas?
Once you know you have a problem with fleas, it’s important to take action quickly to get rid of them before they spread throughout your home and bite everyone. There are a few different options when it comes to treating fleas:
- Insecticide sprays: Insecticide sprays kill adult fleas on contact. But they don’t do anything to stop eggs from hatching or larvae from developing into adults. You’ll need to reapply these sprays regularly to keep the fleas at bay. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully when using any insecticide spray.
- Flea bombs: Flea bombs release insecticide into the air, settling onto surfaces and killing fleas within a certain radius. These can be effective at killing adult fleas but don’t target eggs or larvae specifically. And like insecticide sprays, you’ll need to use them regularly for ongoing protection against fleas.
- Foggers: Foggers work similarly to flea bombs but are designed for larger areas such as basements or attics where pests like roaches or spiders might also be present. Remember that foggers can be dangerous if not used correctly, so be sure to read all instructions thoroughly before using one in your home.
Summary
If you think you have a problem with flees, the first step is to confirm that you indeed have an infestation by looking for signs such as bites or dirt specks on your pet’s fur (or human skin!). Once you know that you’re dealing with a pest problem, several treatment options are available, including insecticide sprays, flea bombs, and foggers.
The best way to determine which method is right for your home is to consult a professional exterminator who can assess the extent of the infestation. They’ll be able to recommend the best course of action. Just don’t wait too long to take action—the sooner you treat your home (and pet), the sooner you’ll be able to rid yourself of these pesky critters!