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Chris Barber
Pest Control Technician
Chris Mosby
Pest Control Technician
Mackenzie Keene
Office Manager
Sheldon pet owners often struggle with cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis). These reddish-brown insects are about 1/8 inch long and live on pets like cats and dogs, feeding on their blood. This can cause severe itching, hair loss, and anemia in extreme cases. Cat fleas can also bite humans, leading to itchy, red welts and potential allergic reactions.
The life cycle of a cat flea includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Female fleas lay between 20 and 50 eggs each day, which fall into bedding and carpets. Larvae feed on dried blood and mature in humid environments. The complete life cycle lasts about 18 days, with adult fleas living up to 40 days on their host.
Dog fleas, scientifically known as Ctenocephalides canis, are parasitic insects that mostly infest dogs but can also affect humans and cats. While less common than cat fleas in California, they share a similar appearance. These small, wingless, reddish-brown insects can be hard to spot. Dog fleas feed on blood, causing itching and discomfort, and can spread tapeworms.
Their life cycle consists of four stages: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. Flea eggs are often dislodged from the host and land in places like bedding or carpets. Larvae feed on organic material and flea droppings. Pupae form in cocoons and can remain dormant for months before becoming adults, which live for weeks, feeding and reproducing continuously.
Sticktight fleas commonly infest ground squirrels and poultry, attaching themselves tightly to the ears and eyes of their hosts, which can lead to irritation and health problems. Pets that spend time outdoors are particularly at risk, especially in areas with ground squirrels. Regular checks of pets can help catch flea infestations early.
Treatment involves addressing both pets and their environment. Treat both your pet and its bedding on the same day. Homes with outdoor pets should inspect and treat both indoor and outdoor areas.
Sheldon Pest Control starts its flea control process with a comprehensive inspection of your outdoor area. We target flea hotspots, especially where pets spend the most time. This allows us to concentrate our treatments effectively. Our technicians examine the entire yard, focusing on shaded regions and overgrown vegetation.
Inside, we inspect baseboards, cracks, and crevices for signs of fleas. We also check pet bedding, carpets, and furniture, ensuring that no potential flea habitats are overlooked. This thorough inspection is key to a successful flea control program.
Before we begin your flea treatment, there are a few steps to take. Outside, mow your lawn. Inside, remove items from the floor, such as toys and mats. Vacuum carpets, under beds, and closet floors, then discard the vacuum bag. Sweep and mop all hard surfaces. Treat your pets and wash their bedding on the same day. The house should remain vacant for 2-3 hours while the treatment dries.
Our flea control process starts with inspecting your yard and treating flea hotspots, covering up to half an acre. Indoors, we use liquid treatments on baseboards, cracks, and pet areas. Floors might be slippery but dry fast. You can use fans to speed up drying.
Sheldon Pest Control provides a free follow-up treatment two weeks after the initial flea service. This follow-up is essential to eliminate any newly hatched fleas. Our technician will revisit and apply the same thorough treatment in the areas previously treated.
To help maximize the effectiveness of the follow-up, we suggest vacuuming carpets and sweeping floors after the first service. This encourages flea eggs to hatch, allowing our second treatment to be more successful. Keeping pets treated and bedding clean is also key to preventing future infestations.
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