Flea Identification & Prevention
What Are Fleas?
Just saying the word “flea” can make most people itch. Fleas are tiny biting pests that leave behind itchy red welts as a thank you to the warm-blooded hosts they have fed on. The two most common fleas in our area are the dog flea and cat flea, with the cat flea being most widespread in Georgia and across the country.
Despite their descriptive name, both dog fleas and cat fleas feed on many hosts, including dogs and cats, rodents, and wild animals. While people aren’t their preferred hosts, fleas will feed on us if we are present.
Fleas are wingless and their primary mode of transportation is their large back legs that they use to jump. In general, adult fleas grow to only about an eighth of an inch long and are brownish-black to reddish-black. Fleas are so tiny that until they jump, people often mistake them for specks of dirt. A flea’s body is flattened from side to side, helping them move easily through a host’s fur and the hard shell that covers them protects them from being squished.
Are Fleas Dangerous? Understanding the Risks
The flea’s feeding process of biting through their host’s skin and feeding on their blood makes them capable of spreading disease-causing pathogens and parasites like tapeworms to both people and animals. The good news is that in the United States, the transmission of diseases by fleas is relatively low.
When it comes to fleas, the biggest concern is the itchy rash they leave behind after feeding. Many of us are allergic to their saliva and can develop a rash that is uncomfortable and itchy. Excess itching in both animals and people (especially children) can lead to secondary infections that require medical attention. Pets with a severe infestation may develop hair loss, open sores, and anemia.
Why Do I Have a Flea Problem?
Fleas can become a problem in any yard or home, whether pets are present or not. The humid, warm weather found in Savannah, GA throughout much of the year allows fleas to thrive. Fleas can complete their life cycle either inside or outside and are pests that can quickly take over any space.
Wild animals most frequently introduce fleas into yards, where you or your pets may come into contact with these insects and introduce them into your home. Fleas may also move inside on animal intruders like mice that have found a way inside, or on pieces of used furniture or rugs already infested with adults, eggs, or larvae.
Why Choose Prestige Pest Control?
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Associate Certified EntomologistsOur company founders, a husband & wife duo, both associate certified entomologists, along with our team bring over 30 years of industry experience. Cindy is among an exclusive group of around only 50 women in the US to hold this title!
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Treatments That WorkSince 1986, Prestige Pest Control has been providing effective services to eliminate and prevent pest infestations. Because we know how important results are, we back our service with a 90-day warranty.
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Family Owned & OperatedAs a locally owned business as well, we strive to provide service at a fair price and are committed to building quality, long-lasting customer relationships.
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Economical ServiceAt Prestige Pest Control, we don’t believe that people should have to sacrifice their needs to have a pest-free home. That’s why we treat our customers fairly and provide our services at an economical price.
Where Will I Find Fleas?
If you are looking for fleas, you will most likely find them on an animal host. Fleas have a short lifespan of just a few months and spend most of their life on a single host feeding and breeding.
After a female flea lays its eggs on the back of an animal host, they will roll off onto the ground below, where they develop into adults. New adults remain in their cocoon until an animal host walks by them and produces vibrations that alert the fleas to their presence. The adult fleas jump from the protective cocoon and onto their host, where they will begin to feed and continue their life cycle.
Outside your Pooler, GA home, developing fleas or new adults waiting for a host are often found in damp soil under decks, woodpiles, leaf piles, and dense shrubbery. Inside our homes, fleas that are not on a host are seen hanging out in rugs, upholstered furniture, and bedding (human and pet).
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They were able to come out same day to inspect after we spotted termites. Our service was scheduled for just two days later! Seeing termites in our home was a short-lived nightmare thanks to their quick turnaround. The price was also very reasonable.
- Allison Bruns -
Technician Greg was pleasant and very informative; answered all our questions thoroughly.
- Paul Hale -
Very thorough!!
- Christina Regal -
Polite, Professional and Respectful. The office booked me for 1 pm but technician did not show up until little after 2 pm.
- Christopher Wanthouse -
Kelly our Tech with Prestige is OUTSTANDING, not that I have had to complain before. Kelly is the best and most thorough Technician we have had ever. We are so pleased to have Kelly as our Technician. 10 STARS
- cynthia tress -
I've been using Prestige Pest Control for over 15 years, and they've always done me well. Greg was on time, friendly and professional. Greg did a great job, explaining everything as he went along. He did an annual termite inspection for my bond.
- Allan Hill -
Kelli was absolutely amazing!! Treated me with so much respect! Couldn't ask for anyone better!!!
- Brandon Winters -
Kelly provided a fantastic service.
- elsie notestine -
The technician Cole was both personable and professional.
- doug growe -
This company definitely knows there stuff! If you are looking for someone that cares and know what they are talking about, choose Prestige Pest.
- Kamren Nielsen
How Do I Get Rid of Fleas?
In order to prevent or eliminate fleas and other pests, we recommend that you partner with a professional. Routine professional pest control services will not only control and eliminate any problems with fleas but provide the services needed to control pests like rodents and other wild animals that are introducing fleas onto your property.
At Prestige Pest Control, we believe in treating our customers like family and providing pest control services that are affordable and result in a pest-free home. Our highly trained and knowledgeable professionals solve flea issues through customized services and products that are EPA-certified. To learn more about eliminating problems with fleas and other common pests through our monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly pest control options, call us at Prestige Pest Control today!
How can I prevent fleas in the future?
In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, protect your property from fleas with the following prevention tips:
- Inside your home, regularly vacuum floors, mattresses, and upholstered furniture.
- Wash your bedding and the bedding of your pets on a routine basis.
- Remove from your property things that will attract wild animals and the fleas that come with them like woodpiles, leaf piles, overgrown vegetation.
- Mow your grass regularly.
- Take away feeding sites for wild animals on your property by keeping lids on trash cans, removing bird feeders, and picking up uneaten pet food.
- Place pets on a year-round flea prevention program.
