How to Get Rid of Fleas

Few pests are as universally loathed as fleas. These tiny, acrobatic insects can turn a comfortable home into an itchy nightmare for both pets and humans. In Redlands, CA, where the warm climate can allow fleas to thrive year-round, understanding effective prevention and professional treatment is essential. As a leading pest control company in Redlands, Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control, Inc., is here to share our expert insights on keeping your home and pets flea-free.

Understanding the Flea Threat

Fleas are not just an itchy annoyance; they pose real problems. They are external parasites that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. While they are most commonly associated with pets, they will readily bite humans, especially when pet hosts are unavailable or the infestation is severe. Beyond the relentless itching, scratching, and potential skin infections, fleas can transmit diseases. Though less common, flea-borne diseases like Bartonellosis (cat scratch disease) and Murine Typhus can affect humans. For pets, fleas can cause severe allergic reactions (flea allergy dermatitis), leading to hair loss and intense skin irritation. Heavy infestations can even cause anemia, particularly in young or debilitated animals.

How Fleas Invade Your Redlands Home

Fleas are master hitchhikers. The most common ways they enter your home include riding in on pets. This is the primary culprit, as even well-groomed pets can pick up fleas from infested yards, dog parks, or even brief encounters with other animals. Wildlife, such as raccoons, opossums, squirrels, and even stray cats, can carry fleas into your yard, from where they can jump onto your pets or directly into your home. Less commonly, humans can inadvertently carry fleas indoors on clothing or shoes. Additionally, infested second-hand furniture or carpeting can introduce fleas directly into your living space.

Once inside, fleas don’t just stay on your pet. Adult fleas lay eggs, which fall off the host into carpets, pet bedding, cracks in flooring, and upholstery. These eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on flea feces (dried blood) and organic debris before pupating. The pupa stage is incredibly resilient, capable of remaining dormant for months, waiting for vibrations, warmth, or carbon dioxide (indicating a host) to emerge as hungry adults. This complex life cycle makes fleas so challenging to eradicate.

Expert Flea Prevention for Redlands Homes

Preventing fleas is always easier than treating an established infestation. Our top recommendations for homeowners include establishing consistent pet treatment by working with your veterinarian to establish a year-round, vet-approved flea preventative for all pets. This is your first and most critical line of defense. Regular cleaning is also vital, which involves vacuuming carpets, rugs, and upholstery frequently, especially areas where pets spend time. Immediately dispose of vacuum bags outside your home. Additionally, wash pet bedding weekly in hot water. Yard maintenance also plays a role. Keep your lawn mowed short and trim back overgrown vegetation, as this reduces shady, humid areas where fleas thrive. It’s also wise to avoid attracting wildlife to your yard. While not their primary entry, sealing cracks in the foundation and gaps around doors and windows can help deter fleas and other pests.

When to Call a Professional for Flea Treatment in Redlands

If you’re already seeing fleas jumping, noticing bites on yourself or your pets, or finding flea “dirt” (flea feces) in pet fur, you likely have an active infestation. Flea pupae are resistant to most insecticides, and new adults will continue to emerge long after initial treatments. This is where professional expertise becomes invaluable.

At Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control, Inc., our expert technicians serving Redlands and the whole Inland Empire understand the complete flea life cycle. We use integrated pest management strategies that combine targeted insecticide applications with advice on environmental controls. Our professional treatments penetrate deep into carpets and cracks to eliminate adults, larvae, and eggs. We focus on breaking the flea life cycle, ensuring comprehensive eradication and preventing future outbreaks.

Don’t let fleas dictate your comfort. For effective and lasting flea prevention and treatment in Redlands, CA, trust the experts at Craig & Sons. Contact us today at 909-335-1486 for a consultation and reclaim your home from these persistent pests.