Fleas are small flat brown insects that feed on blood. They naturally feed from bats, birds, rodents and other wild creatures. However they will also thrive on our pets and will feed from humans.

Fleas occur commonly across the US, thriving under warm moist conditions. They affect our pet's lifestyles and although they cannot complete their lifecycle on human hosts they can still bite us and put us at risk of disease.

If you have a flea infestation it is important for the health of your pets and your family that you take steps to remove the problem immediately.

Occurrence Of Fleas In Western New York

Fleas are common throughout Western New York. The most commonly invasive species of our pets and homes is the common Cat Flea (Ctenocephalides Felix), which happily infests cats, dogs, other mammals, birds, and even bites humans.

As with other skin biting parasitic insects, flea saliva attacks and digests the host's skin to facilitate penetration and feeding. Flea saliva is irritating and allergenic to many humans, causing discomfort, swelling and itching, and may lead to Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD).

Flea Life Cycle

Fleas can survive for many months under warm moist conditions. When actively feeding the female flea can lay hundreds of eggs in our lawns and commonly in our carpets. When the eggs hatch the larva feed on organic matter and fecal pellets generated by the mother. When fully grown the larva weave a coccoon and pupate. They can remain as pupa inside their coccoon, impervious to insecticides, for many weeks, making control of fleas very difficult. Eventually, when conditions are right, they emerge as bloodthirsty fleas.

Flea Activity & Hazard

Flea Season - when fleas are most active in the natural environment - is predominantly weather dependent. In Western New York flea season starts as early as March and ends as late as December.

However, fleas can remain highly active all year round in the comfort of our homes.

Fleas are dangerous parasites that present several health risks to humans and our pets. First there are the direct health problems associated with the flea bite itself. This can cause allergic reactions and excessive scratching leading to FAD. Secondly the fleas can transmit other parasites (such as tapeworm) and diseases to their hosts. Thirdly heavy infestations can cause anemia or even death of small, young or weak animals.

Often the most obvious sign of a flea infestation is a pet that continually scratches or  when our family members experience itchy bites around our ankles, waist, armpits or other skin folds like the back of the knee. Fleas prefer to bite our pets, where they can hide and flourish protected by a furry blanket. They most often bite humans when our pets are unavailable or the infestation is very heavy.

An Effective Flea Control Plan For Your Home

Good Riddance will take steps to kill all existing adult fleas in your home and prevent the development of any remaining eggs, larvae, or pupae into adults. This requires that we carefully administer chemicals within your home, and there are some actions that you must take before we can administer our program:

• Remove all items from the floor and carpet in your home 
• Remove all items from under the beds and on closet floors
• Vacuum all upholstered furniture, all floors and all carpet, pay special attention to the foot of the furniture
• Remove the vacuum bag immediately! Put it into a plastic bag and place it in the trash outside the home or burn it if permitted.
• Arrange to have all pets treated the same day as your home!

Your Personal Flea Prevention Plan:

A number of steps can be taken personally by homeowners to reduce the potential for bed bug infestations:

1. Remove any other wildlife pests that may live in or on your home, they are a frequent source of fleas.
2. If you have a pet, consult your veterinary practitioner to find out if a flea control program is advised for your animal.
3. Regularly inspect your pet for any evidence of fleas and inspect their sleeping places for any signs of flea infestation.
4. Regularly vacuum clean your carpets and upholstery, especially during flea season. Remove the vacuum cleaner bag and seal it in a plastic container for safe disposal. 
5. If you have been out walking on the lawn or in the wild inspect yourself for any insects that may be attached to your body.

6. Consult a professional pest controller about Insect Growth Regulators (IGR's) that can prevent eggs or larvae from developing. 

   If You Suspect You Have A Flea Infestation Do Not Delay
   Your Pet's And Family's Health Are At Risk
   Call 716-824-2847 For Guaranteed Prompt & Professional Action

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