Flea Control
Flea Control in Tulsa OK
Flea problems can get out of hand pretty quickly, especially during the warmer months in Tulsa. A lot of the calls we get start after a pet brings fleas inside, but that isn’t always the case. Fleas can also come from stray animals, wildlife, or a previous pet that lived in the home.
The part that surprises most people is that the fleas jumping on the pet are only part of the problem. Eggs and developing fleas can be down in the carpet, pet bedding, furniture, floor cracks, and other areas where the pet spends time. That is why treating the dog or cat by itself doesn’t always clear things up.
Good flea control usually takes a few things working together. The pets need to be treated with a product recommended by a veterinarian, the home needs to be prepared and treated, and some outdoor areas may need attention too. Shaded spots, dog runs, under decks, and places where pets rest are usually where we look first outside.
Before we treat inside, there is some work the homeowner will need to do. Vacuuming well, washing pet bedding, clearing items off the floor, and making sure every pet is being treated all make a big difference. We will go over the preparation before the service so you know what needs to be done.
It is also normal to see some fleas after the first treatment. Some fleas can stay protected in their cocoons and come out after the first treatment. Vacuuming after the service helps bring them out so they can come into contact with the treatment.
Flea control usually isn’t an overnight fix, but the activity should continue to improve when the home is prepared correctly and the pets are treated at the same time.
Flea Habits and signs of a flea problem
Fleas are small, and they can be hard to spot until the problem starts getting worse. Most homeowners first notice a pet scratching more than normal or people in the house getting small, itchy bites around their ankles and lower legs.
Scratching and Grooming
A dog or cat that suddenly starts scratching, biting, or grooming itself more than usual may have fleas. You may also notice irritated skin or thinning hair in areas the pet keeps scratching.
Flea Dirt
Flea dirt looks like small black specks in a pet’s fur, bedding, carpet, or favorite resting area. It is mostly digested blood left behind by adult fleas. If the specks turn reddish-brown when placed on a damp paper towel, there is a good chance it is flea dirt.
Flea Bites
Flea bites usually look like small, itchy red bumps. They are often found around the ankles and lower legs, but they can show up anywhere fleas have access to the skin.
Adult Fleas
Adult fleas are small, dark, and quick. You may see them moving through a pet’s fur or jumping around carpet, furniture, or bedding.
Sometimes people notice a lot of activity after returning from vacation. Fleas that were developing while the house was empty can become active when they feel movement and realize a host has returned.
Flea Eggs and Developing Fleas
Flea eggs are very small and usually fall off the pet into carpet, bedding, furniture, and floor cracks. Most homeowners will never see them.
That is why vacuuming and washing pet bedding are such an important part of flea control. You are not just dealing with the adult fleas you can see. You also have to deal with the fleas still developing around the home.
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Why Fleas Keep Coming Back
One of the most common things we hear is, “We treated the pets, but we are still getting bitten.”
Most of the time, there are still fleas developing somewhere in the house. They may be down in the carpet, pet bedding, furniture, or another spot where the pet spends a lot of time.
That is also why vacuuming matters so much. It helps clean up eggs and debris, but it also creates movement that can bring developing fleas out of hiding. You may notice a short increase in activity when that happens. It doesn’t always mean the treatment isn’t working.
The biggest mistake is treating one part of the problem and ignoring the rest. The pets and the home need to be handled at the same time.
If you have treated the pets but fleas are still showing up around the house, give Thrive Pest Control a call. We’ll explain what needs to be done before treatment and help you get the flea activity under control.