Flea Exterminator

Often confused with bed bugs, fleas are an especially irritating pest in the Coachella Valley. They’re usually 1/8 of an inch long, with flattened, dark brown bodies – though after eating they will appear reddish in color. Fleas are visible to the naked eye. Fleas are wingless but can jump several inches.

Fleas are parasitic and feed on the blood of animals and humans. They typically get into your home via pets, and can sometimes enter your home seeking shelter from prolonged rainy conditions. In Southern California, drought conditions also force fleas to go in search of reliable sources of food and water. High humidity and heat are perfect for flea breeding. Fleas lay eggs in places like on pets, carpets, human and pet bedding, and furniture. Even if adult fleas are dealt with, their eggs can remain.

Fleas are a major problem for pets. Not only can they transmit worms to them (and to people too), but an untreated flea infestation on a pet can be life-threatening. Humans aren’t immune to flea issues, either. If there is no animal host nearby, a flea will jump to the closest person it can find. Fleas can lay 8-10 eggs a day, so they can become a serious problem very quickly. Some examples of diseases carried by fleas are cat scratch fever, feline anemia, and allergies.

You can help prevent a flea infestation by vacuuming regularly, keeping your lawn trimmed and free of yard waste, ensuring rodents aren’t attracted to your property – and most importantly, ensuring your pet is protected against fleas.