Flea Control Services | Rafiki Pest Control

The World's Most Loyal Pest, The Flea.

Fleas are notorious for being the most persistent pests. Once they latch onto you or your pets, they are in it for the long haul. These tiny, irritating insects are not just embarrassing but also pose significant health risks to both pets and humans. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about fleas—how to detect an infestation, where they hide, and how you can effectively eliminate them, either by yourself or with professional help.

Fascinating Flea Facts You Should Know

Fleas are among the most adaptable and resilient pests, with some fascinating traits that make them tough to get rid of. Here are some key facts about fleas that you might not know:

Over 2,500 Flea Species: There are more than 2,500 species of fleas around the world, including common types like dog fleas, cat fleas, and human fleas.
Blood-Suckers: Fleas survive by feeding on the blood of their hosts. It takes them less than five minutes to latch onto a host and feed, and they can continue for up to two hours.
Strong Claws: Fleas have powerful claws that make it difficult to dislodge them once they’ve attached to a host.
Rapid Reproduction: Female fleas can lay up to 50 eggs a day, with the potential to lay thousands of eggs throughout their lifetime. If not treated early, flea infestations can spiral out of control.
Adaptive Survival: Fleas can remain dormant in cocoons for extended periods until conditions become favorable. This makes it even harder to get rid of them once they’ve taken hold.
Health Risks: Fleas can cause severe itching, skin irritation, and even transmit diseases like tapeworms and harmful bacteria to both pets and humans.

Signs of Flea Infestation

Detecting a flea infestation early is key to preventing it from getting out of hand. Fleas spread quickly, hopping from one host to another and making their presence known with persistent scratching. Here are some signs that your home might be hosting fleas:

Your pets may start to lose patches of fur or seem to be scratching or biting themselves more often.
Pale gums in pets can be a sign of blood loss due to flea bites.
You might notice reddish-brown pests on your pets' fur.
Fleas could also be visible on your carpets, bedding, or furniture.
Small, itchy red bumps on your skin, especially after sitting near your pets or on your furniture.

Common Flea Hiding Spots

Fleas are expert hiders, and they can be difficult to spot. If you suspect an infestation, make sure to check the following areas where fleas like to live:

Your pets’ fur, especially around the tail and neck.
Bedding, fleas love to hide in mattresses and bed linens.
Furniture, sofas and chairs are common flea hotspots.
Carpets and floor mats, fleas thrive in soft fabrics.
Outdoor areas, particularly around trees, bushes, and piles of leaves.

How to Inspect Your Home for Flea Infestation

Fleas are often brought into homes by pets, but once inside, they can quickly spread throughout your house. Here’s how you can do a thorough flea inspection:

Check Your Pets: Use a fine-toothed comb and a flashlight to look through your pets' fur, especially around their neck, legs, and tail. Look for live fleas, flea droppings, or eggs.
Inspect Your Home: Walk through your home with a flashlight and check all areas where your pets frequent—bedding, furniture, carpets, and rugs. Look for visible fleas or flea dirt.
Inspect Your Yard: Fleas can also infest your yard, especially in areas where your pets like to spend time. Check areas near trees, bushes, and places where debris accumulates.

How to Prevent Fleas

The best way to prevent fleas from entering your home is by taking measures to protect your pets. Here are some simple steps you can take to keep fleas at bay:

Regularly bathe your pets with flea shampoo to remove fleas and prevent re-infestation.
Use flea sprays or powders on your carpets and furniture to eliminate fleas before they spread.
Keep your yard tidy by trimming plants and removing leaves and debris where fleas can hide.
Wash your pets’ bedding, your own bedding, and any infested clothing in hot water regularly.

If you notice signs of fleas, contact a professional pest control service to handle the infestation.

DIY Flea Treatment

While professional flea control is the most effective option, there are steps you can take at home to manage a minor infestation. Here's how you can attempt to treat fleas yourself:

Treat Your Pets: Use flea treatments like sprays, drops, or baths, but always consult with your vet first to ensure you’re using the right products for your pet’s species and age.
Treat Your Home: After treating your pets, thoroughly clean your home. Wash bedding and infested clothing in hot water, vacuum carpets and rugs, and steam-clean furniture.
Tend to Your Yard: Fleas can also live outside, especially in areas where your pets spend time. Treat your yard with flea control products to eliminate fleas before they make their way indoors.

While DIY treatments can help in the short term, it may take weeks or even months to fully eradicate fleas using home remedies.

Permanently Get Rid of Fleas in Just 2 Hours

Fleas are tricky pests that require specialized care to eliminate completely. Their life cycle is complex, and without the right treatment, they can easily return. That’s why the most effective way to handle a flea infestation is by getting professional help.
Our team of licensed pest control experts is trained in handling fleas at every stage of their life cycle. When you contact us, we will:

Conduct a thorough inspection to determine the severity of the infestation.
Use the best, veterinarian-approved treatments on your pets.
Treat your home and yard to ensure fleas are eradicated and prevent re-infestation.

In just a couple of hours, you can get rid of fleas for good. Reach out to us today for fast, efficient, and lasting flea control.