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Fleas are troublesome pests that are found throughout Canada in homes and lawns in the summer months.
The larvae will feed on dead skin and dried blood that has collected in crevices in flooring, along baseboards, under edges of rugs, between upholstered cushions and around heating registers. The adults can live for several months without food and are easily carried from one location to the next in pet bedding, cuffs of pants or used furniture. Even a brief encounter can cause you or your pet to become a host. Stray animals sleeping on porches or window sills can start an infestation. Once they enter the home, fleas spread rapidly. In the colder months the outdoor infestations do die off, however, once established inside the home, fleas are active all year-round. Fleas are hazardous to humans. Due to their numbers and world-wide distribution, fleas are a serious health hazard. They have been known to transmit diseases including the bubonic plague which is transmitted to humans from fleas living on rats. Since the reaction to a flea bite is allergic in nature, itching can be intense. Secondary infections can be caused by scratching, especially in children. The presence of a flea infestations should not be tolerated. Fleas are attracted by the host's exhaled carbon dioxide and body heat. In the case of the human flea, the bites can be numerous because of interrupted feedings. To prevent a flea infestation be sure to use a quality flea shampoos on your pet during the peak summer season. For more information visit the flea page. For questions or concerns regarding flea treatment please call: RELIABLE EXTERMINATORS LIMITED
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There are several species but the most common are the Dog and Cat fleas. The adults are small, wingless insects with hard dark brown/black coloured bodies. Both males and females bite and suck blood. The female lays her eggs loosely among the hairs or feathers of the host, where eventually they will fall off and the spiny larvae emerge.
