Fleas are not unheard of anywhere in the United States. These nasty little critters do not necessarily stick to man-made boundaries, but certain species are more known to stick to certain geographical areas. Fleas more commonly found in Texas are the dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis), cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), and human flea (Pulex irritans). These fleas are obviously named for their preferred hosts, but they are not above singling any one host out, and will intrude on any warm-blooded animal they come into contact with.
A-Tex Pest Management would like to inform Texans of the fleas most commonly found in the region; as well as tips to get rid of them.
How to Get Rid of Cat Fleas
Cat fleas are especially tiny, approximately ¼” long. They range from brown to black in color. From a side view profile, their bodies look compressed and the body itself feels hardened. They are flightless insects, but due to their strong hind leg abilities, they can jump relatively high, and use their unique mouthparts to penetrate the skin to feed on blood. An identifying characteristic used by professionals to assess species, is that they have spines near and on their head, only seen through a microscope. Until they reach adulthood, they are generally unseen due to their incredibly teensy stature. Eggs are oval shaped, and once hatched, cat fleas become larvae, followed by the pupal stage, which derives when the larvae prepares a silken cocoon. The cocoon is sticky, where dirt and debris often sticks to the surface, camouflaging their protective wraps. Cats are more favorable, but they will attach on dogs, raccoons, opossums, skunks and foxes.
Cat Flea Disease Transmission & Health Ailments
Diseases and health concerns derived from cat fleas are; Murine typhus from an infected flea bite, Cat scratch disease, Flea tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) an infection of dogs and cats when they ingest a tapeworm infected flea during grooming. Rickettsia felis, a disease of both cats and dog and transmitted by the cat flea. Dipetalonema reconditum, a parasitic worm transmitted to dogs by the cat flea. A microfilarial disease Acanthocheilonemal reconditum transmitted to dogs by the cat flea. Others include; Flea-borne typhus, Bartonellosis, Flea tape-worm, or bacterial infections originating from the bite.
Getting Rid of Dog Fleas
Dog fleas are very similar to cat fleas, and are often confused. Appearances and behavior are nearly identical. To distinguish the differences, professionals have to use a microscope. They produce similar diseases and health risks as well. If dog fleas are forcibly removed, they will try to return to the host, or select a new one. Proper medical treatment should be administered if dog fleas have become an outbreak on you or your pets.
Flea Pest Inspections, Prevention, Control & Removal in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
Fleas can be incredibly difficult to locate if they are in your home. A-Tex Pest Management can effectively eradicate them from your home, often in only one treatment. We have the skills, experience and expertise to ensure they are exterminated. Combined with premium quality products and state of the art equipment, our professional attributes make us number one in pest control, including flea removal. Call us today if you suspect fleas!