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Jakob Beltran
Pest Control Technician
Jason Hansen
Pest Control Technician
Jackie Murphy
Sales Representative
Granite Bay homes frequently struggle with cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis), tiny reddish-brown parasites about 1/8 inch in size that are commonly found on cats and dogs. They survive by feeding on pets’ blood, which can cause itching, hair loss, and, in severe cases, anemia. These fleas can also bite humans, leaving itchy, red welts that may lead to allergic reactions.
The cat flea goes through four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Female fleas lay up to 50 eggs per day, which drop into bedding and carpets. Larvae feed on dried blood and thrive in humid environments. Their life cycle lasts around 18 days, and adult fleas can live up to 40 days on a host.
Dog fleas, scientifically known as Ctenocephalides canis, are parasites that mostly target dogs but can also affect cats and humans. While similar to cat fleas, they are not as common in California. These tiny, reddish-brown, wingless insects are difficult to spot on pets. They feed on their hosts’ blood, causing itching and discomfort, and can transmit diseases and parasites such as tapeworms.
The life cycle of dog fleas includes eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. Flea eggs are often dropped from the host onto surfaces like bedding or carpets. The larvae feed on organic debris and adult flea waste. Pupae are housed in cocoons and may remain dormant for extended periods. Adult fleas live for several weeks, feeding frequently and reproducing.
Sticktight fleas, often found on ground squirrels and poultry, attach themselves tightly to their hosts’ ears and eyes, causing irritation and other health issues. Pets that venture outdoors are particularly at risk, especially in areas where ground squirrels are present. Regularly checking pets for fleas can help catch infestations early.
Treatment requires dealing with both the pet and the environment. Pets and their bedding must be treated on the same day. If pets go outside, both indoor and outdoor areas should be carefully inspected and treated.
At Granite Bay Pest Control, our flea treatment starts with a careful inspection of your property. We assess your yard for flea activity, especially in areas where pets spend time. This helps us direct our treatment to the areas most in need. Our technicians thoroughly examine your outdoor spaces, paying attention to shaded areas and thick foliage.
Inside your home, we focus on common flea hiding spots such as baseboards, cracks, and crevices. We also check pet bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture, ensuring no potential flea hotspots are missed. Proper inspection is key to creating an effective treatment plan.
There are some steps to take before your flea treatment. Outside, trim your grass. Inside, clear all items from the floors, like toys and rugs. Vacuum carpets, under furniture, and closet floors, then throw away the vacuum bag. Sweep and mop all hard floors. Treat your pets and clean their bedding on the same day. Your home should be vacant for 2-3 hours while the product dries.
Our flea control starts with an inspection of your yard to identify hotspots. We treat outdoor areas up to half an acre. Indoors, liquid treatments are applied to baseboards, cracks, and crevices, as well as areas like cat trees. Floors may be slippery but dry fast. Fans can help speed up drying.
At Granite Bay Pest Control, we include a free follow-up treatment two weeks after the initial service to ensure any newly hatched fleas are removed. This follow-up visit is critical to thoroughly eliminate the flea population. Our technician will apply the same comprehensive treatment, focusing on the treated areas for maximum effect.
We recommend that you vacuum your carpets and sweep floors frequently after the initial service. This helps trigger flea eggs to hatch, making the follow-up treatment more successful. Be sure to keep your pets protected with flea treatments and clean their bedding to prevent re-infestation.
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