How To Identify A Flea Infestation

Appearance - Fleas have small, flat, reddish brown bodies. They are small, about ⅛ of an inch long, and move very quickly. Fleas are often confused with bed bugs and lice.

Behavior - Fleas are parasitic, and feed on blood. You will most likely find yourself or your family scratching and getting bit before you see a flea. Flea bites cause itchy pink bumps like mosquito bites, flea bites come in smaller clusters of bumps that can resemble a patch of acne. Fleas like to live on animals with hair or fur they can hide in, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and rodents. They will deposit eggs in carpets, bedding, even the cracks of your floor. Flea feces may be seen, which looks similar to coarse ground pepper.

Why You Might Have Fleas

Flea problems can come from tall grass being near your property where you, your family and pets frequent. You could have a friend or family member who does not know they have fleas on their pet when they come over to visit. Suddenly the fleas transfer to your pet. Or, your animals can pick fleas up just by going on a walk. It is also important to treat your pet with a vet-prescribed treatment monthly. If you are late even on one treatment, fleas can start breeding inside.

Reasons To Treat Your Flea Problem Immediately

Not only are flea bites annoying, but scratching them can lead to infection. Children, adults, and animals can also be allergic to flea bites. Leaving a flea problem unattended will cause the flea population to increase at an alarming rate. Female fleas can lay up to 2,000 eggs each year, and will happily do so in your carpet. Hudson Valley flea infestations require both the adult fleas and well as flea eggs to be killed in a series of treatments to completely stop the flea life cycle.