Flea Extermination Knoxville, TN

Flea Facts

Fleas can live up to 100 days with the female producing 400 to 500 offspring. Fleas are able to jump 8" or 150 times their body height.

Fleas are transmitters of numerous diseases including the bubonic plague and murine typhus. Fleas are also known to transfer tapeworms and cause anemia in pets.

Wild animals such as skunks, raccoons and opossums also transfer fleas to the environments we inhabit.

The first step in any flea management program is proper treatment of pets.

Types of Fleas

Fleas are named according to the host they live on, but fleas have the capability to live on different host species.

Cat Flea

Cat fleas are the most commonly found flea. They can be found on cats and dogs as well as many types of wild animals. Adult cat fleas unlike many other types of fleas remain on the host. The adults require a blood meal to reproduce. Cat fleas have the ability to spread plague and murine typhus to humans. Cat fleas serve as the intermediate host to dog tapeworm and is transmitted to the pet when the tapeworm cyst carried by the flea is ingested.

Dog Flea

Dog fleas are more likely to infest dogs that reside outside than those that reside on the interior of a home. The adult dog flea will remain on the host for their entire life once a suitable host is found. Dog fleas can be found on wild animals such as coyotes, rabbits, rats and foxes. Dog fleas require a blood meal to reproduce. Dog fleas can serve as the intermediate host for the dog tapeworm, rodent tapeworm and the dwarf tapeworm.

Oriental Rat Flea

This flea is also known as the tropical rat flea. The primary host is Norway rats but can survive on any warm-blooded mammal. This flea is the primary vector of bubonic plague and murine typhus. These fleas live in the nest of the host animal and only attach to the host when feeding.

Northern Rat Flea

The Northern rat flea can be found on domestic rats and house mice. It is minor vector for plague and can be a host for the rat tapeworm.

Sticktight Flea

The sticktight flea can be an occasional pest found on dogs, cats, chickens and other birds. Dogs and cats normally come into contact with these fleas when they are associated with barnyard fowl. Sticktight fleas are normally found on dogs and cats around the outer edge of the ear or between the toes on the foot pad. These fleas are not known to transmit diseases but can be associated with secondary infections. Following mating the female flea will attach her mouthparts to the host and spend the rest of her life in that position.

Flea Bites

As with other insect bites, it is difficult to identify the flea bite by the visual appearance of the bite alone. Below are some visual signs that may occur with the bites:

They will often appear in groups of 3 or 4.
The bites often appear around the feet, ankles and legs.
The bites will be small with a central red spot.
They will often form scabs surrounded by a light red halo.

As with other insect bites it is best to reduce scratching as much as possible to prevent secondary infections.

How to Inspect for Fleas

Inspect your pet by looking through the hair by combing and inspecting for adult fleas.
Visually inspect the pet bedding above and underneath for adult fleas.
Put on a pair of white knee high socks and drag your feet through the carpeted areas and look for signs of adult fleas on the socks.

Flea Prevention

Control Of Wildlife And Feral Animals Around Your Home

Have any wild animals removed by a licensed wildlife operator that has taken up residence in your home and have entry point repaired. This area should be treated for fleas once the animal is removed.
Trim tree limbs back from roof to prevent animal access to the roof top.
Inspect the perimeter of your home for entry points in areas such as crawlspace vents, crawlspace doors, soffits and chimneys.
Do not leave pet food out to attract animals to your home.
Decks should be sealed to prevent animal harborage underneath.
Inspect and eliminate harborage areas around non attached sheds and garages on property.
Keep lids on garbage cans secured to prevent attracting animals to your home.

Vegetation Management

Regularly mow your lawn.
Trim or plant shrubbery to promote sunlight and air movement. Flea larvae cannot survive sunlight and low humidity.

Interior Cleaning Of Your Home

Reduce clutter in the home. Fleas tend to avoid high traffic areas and by removing clutter you ultimately reduce harborage areas.
Vacuum your home a minimum of one time per week and more often if a flea is found.
When vacuuming, don't just vacuum high traffic areas. Focus on baseboards, under furniture and anywhere pets are spending time.
Once vacuuming is completed, empty in trash bag and dispose outside in garbage.
Wash pet bedding in hot water and dry one time per week. Vacuum under pet bedding or inside kennel while washing the bedding. Wash or wipe down kennel during this process.

Pet Grooming And Treatment

Consult your veterinarian for treatment options for your pet. Don't wait until your pet already has a flea issue.
If your pet has long hair, consider having your pet's hair cut short for the summer to make it easier to see fleas on your pet.
Regularly comb your pets to help remove fleas.
Have your pets regularly bathed during the summer to help prevent flea issues.

Flea Solutions Knoxville, TN

Call Epituer today for your FREE business or home pest control and exterminator evaluation in Knoxville, TN. The first step in resolving the issue is identifying the cause and finding the correct solution. Epituer offers quality flea extermination at an affordable cost. Click here for additional details on Epituer's approach to flea elimination and pricing.

Contact Our Office at 865-363-1155 or Email Us.