How to Identify Fleas

Fleas have brownish red or black bodies and measure only about 2 millimeters in length. They have an oval-shaped body with six legs, two small antennae and two black eyes. These insects lack wings and can only jump or walk from place to place. When they're in pet fur or carpets, they will burrow down deep and stay hidden out of sight. If you suspect fleas in your home, you can check for them in a few different ways:

• Place white paper on the floor. Fleas are attracted to white objects and will hop onto them if they're in the vicinity.
• Place a white bowl filled with warm, soapy water on the floor. Fleas prefer the heat and will hop into the bowl. The soap will trap and kill them.

Fleas Cause Health Problems

Fleas transmit various viral and bacterial diseases to both people and animals. These small insects feed on blood and require a blood meal before mating. Though fleas prefer to feed on animals, they will bite people for the proteins in human blood. Infected fleas may transmit diseases such as typhus and plague to people during feeding. When fleas feed on pets, they may cause a Bartonella infection, often referred to as cat scratch disease. This infection can affect cats and dogs and cause vomiting, seizures and other symptoms. Fleas can also cause tapeworm in animals as they feed on their blood.

Signs of Flea Infestations

The first sign of a flea infestation is seeing the insects on your pets or in your carpet. You may feel a sharp bite on your exposed skin and see itchy red bumps form as you scratch. Look for flea droppings in your pet's fur; they look like small specks of dirt. Running your fingers through the fur will send the fleas scurrying for cover deeper toward the skin. If your pets have fleas, they may develop bald spots where they've scratched or bitten at the bite area. They may also develop tapeworms or dermatitis due to flea-bite allergies.

How to Get Rid of Fleas

Pedchem is your go-to source for flea control products both indoors and outdoors. Our flea products should not be used directly on the animals. Instead, they can be sprayed in the target area to kill the fleas where they live and breed. Some of our insecticides contain pyrethrins and provide quick kills with one application. We also have insect growth regulators that help to control the population and to prevent future infestations. We have foggers and dusts, both of which help with indoor flea control. Whether fleas have infested your home or yard, getting rid of fleas is easy with flea insecticides from Pedchem.com.