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Jonathan Mitchell
Pest Control Technician
Chris Mosby
Pest Control Technician
Jackie Murphy
Sales Representative
The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is a common parasite found on cats and dogs in Penryn. These tiny, reddish-brown fleas measure about 1/8 inch in length. They thrive by feeding on the blood of pets, causing itching, hair loss, and, in severe cases, anemia. Cat fleas are also known to bite humans, leading to itchy, red welts that can cause allergic reactions.
The flea’s life cycle consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Female fleas can lay 20-50 eggs daily, which fall onto bedding and carpets. Larvae feed on organic matter and mature in moist areas. The complete life cycle takes about 18 days, with adult fleas surviving up to 40 days on their host.
Dog fleas, scientifically called Ctenocephalides canis, are parasitic pests primarily found on dogs, though they can also affect cats and even people. While they resemble cat fleas, they are less common in California. These reddish-brown, wingless insects are small and difficult to detect. Dog fleas feed on the blood of their hosts, which causes itching and discomfort. In addition to skin irritation, they can spread diseases and parasites like tapeworms.
Dog fleas undergo a complete life cycle consisting of eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. The eggs are often shed from the host and land in areas such as bedding or carpeting. Larvae feed on organic materials and flea droppings. Pupae develop inside cocoons and can stay dormant for months before becoming adults. Adult fleas survive for several weeks, feeding and reproducing continuously.
Sticktight fleas tend to infest ground squirrels and poultry, latching onto their hosts’ ears and eyes. This can lead to discomfort and potential health risks. Pets that wander outdoors in areas with ground squirrels are particularly vulnerable. Early detection through regular pet inspections is essential.
Treatment requires addressing both the pet and the environment. Treat your pet and its bedding on the same day to prevent re-infestation. Homes with pets that explore outside need both indoor and outdoor areas inspected and treated thoroughly.
At Penryn Pest Control, our flea control process starts with a comprehensive inspection of your property. We evaluate your yard for any flea-prone areas, especially those frequented by pets. This allows us to pinpoint the most affected spots for focused treatments. Our technicians inspect the entire outdoor space, including shaded regions and areas with thick vegetation.
Indoors, we prioritize areas like baseboards, small cracks, and hidden crevices where fleas tend to gather. We also check pet bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture to ensure that all potential flea breeding grounds are found. Locating these areas is vital for successful flea control.
To prepare for our flea treatment, there are a few things to do before we arrive. Outdoors, ensure the lawn is trimmed. Indoors, remove items from the floor, such as rugs and toys. Vacuum all carpets, under beds, and closet floors, and then discard the vacuum bag. Clean all floors by sweeping and mopping. Pets should be treated on the same day, and their bedding cleaned. Your home will need to remain empty for 2-3 hours while the treatment dries.
Our process starts with inspecting your yard to find and treat problem areas, covering up to half an acre. Indoors, we apply liquid treatments to baseboards, cracks, and crevices, as well as areas like pet play spaces. Floors might be slippery at first but will dry quickly. Using fans can help speed up drying.
At Penryn Pest Control, we offer a complimentary follow-up service two weeks after your initial flea treatment. This secondary visit is essential to ensure that any remaining flea eggs have hatched and are thoroughly eliminated. Our technician will conduct the same in-depth treatment, focusing on the areas treated during the first visit to ensure complete eradication.
We suggest regular vacuuming of carpets and sweeping of floors after the first treatment. This encourages any unhatched flea eggs to emerge, making the follow-up visit more effective. Keeping your pets protected with flea treatments and maintaining clean bedding will also help avoid re-infestation.
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