Did you know that fleas can lay up to 40 eggs a day and survive for up to two weeks without feeding? It’s one of the many reasons fleas remain one of the most common summer insects and are difficult to contain.
While we tend to associate fleas with our puppy pals, they can also attack humans as well. Not only can fleas leave itchy bites that can be painful, but they are also known to carry and spread diseases, including murine typhus, tungiasis, and the bubonic plague.
Fleas can make their way into your home in several different ways, but most commonly by infesting dogs and cats spending time outdoors. Many people may be tempted to resort to flea bombs and foggers, but they are not always the most effective options.
We’ll discuss why these treatments rarely work and offer better ways to get rid of fleas based on what has been the most effective for our clients in the past.
Why Are There Fleas in My Home?
Fleas commonly enter homes by latching onto dogs and cats after they have spent time outdoors. Fleas can also make their way into your home by hitching a ride on used furniture, clothing, or even the skin of someone who has been infested.
Once a dog or human enters an area with a flea infestation, all it takes is one flea to leap onto its skin to start the infestation. And contrary to popular belief, fleas cannot fly, but they can jump incredibly long distances so they can latch onto you without even knowing they’re present.
Once you bring fleas back to your home, they become experts at hiding and can typically be found in furniture, carpeting, and other crevices around the house.
Therefore, the best way to avoid fleas is to avoid places and people that you know are dealing with fleas. Otherwise, you will need to be vigilant once an infestation strikes.
How Do Flea Bombs and Foggers Work?
Two common treatments for fleas are flea bombs and foggers, pesticides designed to kill fleas relatively quickly.
Flea bombs and foggers typically come in aerosol cans and can be activated by pressing a button and allowing a fog of pesticides to cover the area. Once the fog falls to the ground, it will stick to surfaces and eventually kill any fleas in that area.
However, the problem with these products is that they often don’t penetrate far enough or kill all of the fleas, essentially putting a bandaid on the problem without resolving it entirely.
Are Flea Bombs Effective?
While flea bombs may be a quick and cheap DIY solution in a pinch, they are not considered an effective method of flea control. This is because the pesticides in flea bombs typically do not penetrate the carpet where fleas tend to hide, making it easy for many of them to survive.
Furthermore, flea bombs and foggers do not kill larvae or eggs.
How Safe Are Flea Bombs and Foggers?
Another downside of using these pesticides is that they can be highly toxic and are not fully effective.
Most products require all humans and pets to evacuate the home while the treatment is applied because the fumes can be so toxic.
So to sum it up, not only are flea bombs and foggers ineffective, but they are also invasive and toxic. But what is the solution to fleas in your home?
When it comes to effectively treating a flea infestation, Integrated Pest Management is the best approach to take.
What Is Integrated Pest Management?
Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is a form of organic pest control method designed to protect the environment and your home. IPMs use up-to-date information on the life cycles of pests and how they interact with the environment in order to control them. IPMs aim to manage pests in ways that are as safe as possible for humans, animals, and the environment.
For example, an IPM strategy for fleas may involve the use of vacuums and steam cleaners to eliminate any fleas from your carpets or upholstery. They may also involve frequent inspections of the home using methods such as walking across floors with white socks and also just checking your pets for fleas.
How Can An Exterminator Help?
Enlisting the help of a professional exterminator is always your best bet when it comes to dealing with fleas, as these pests can be especially tricky to get rid of.
A pest control professional will be able to identify the infestation and determine how severe it is before coming up with a unique treatment plan. Treatment plans may involve a mix of deep cleaning solutions and some milder pesticides to safely and effectively eliminate fleas for good.
FAQs
How long do fleas live after the bombing?
Most fleas will typically die within 24 hours after bombing, though some can hang around for a couple more days before eventually perishing. However, some fleas’ eggs may survive after bombing and hatch later on, but the pesticide residue is typically strong enough to kill adult fleas.
Where do fleas most often hide?
Fleas are most often found hiding in crevices around the home, such as upholstery, furniture, and other household furnishings. They can also commonly be found in carpeting and lower-traffic areas of your home.
How safe are flea collars?
There are both pros and cons of using flea collars to protect your dog from picking up fleas. Flea collars are typically more cost-effective than topical or prescription medication, but they also pose certain risks. Many flea and tick collars have been shown to contain TCVP, a harmful chemical that can be toxic to pets who wear them. When it comes to determining the best course of treatment for fleas for your dog, it is best to speak with your vet to go over your options.
[wpforms id=”1017″ title=”true” description=”true”]