Once fleas become established in a home, insecticides are almost always needed to control them. It is important that the pet be treated in conjunction with the premises, preferably on the same day. Adult fleas spend virtually their entire life on the animal -- not in the carpet. Untreated pets will continue to be bothered by fleas. Pets may also transport fleas in from outdoors, eventually overcoming the effectiveness of the insecticide applied inside the home.

Some adult fleas may be seen for a while, even after the home and pet are treated, because any flea in a cocoon has temporarily “escaped” from treatment; a flea cocoon is resistant to pesticides. Flea pupae will hatch out in about 7-10 days; this is normal and the chemical will kill them after hatching.

Flea eggs usually are laid in small groups among the feathers or hairs of the host or in a nest and are often laid in carpets. Eggs are smooth, spherical to oval, light colored, and large enough to be seen with the naked eye. An adult female flea can produce up to 2,000 eggs in a lifetime. The pupal stage can be dormant for 140 to 170 days. In some areas of the country, (LIKE SOUTH ALABAMA) fleas can actually survive through the winter. An initial treatment, while killing larvae, and adult forms, will not kill the egg or pupae. Therefore, a reapplication will often be necessary.

Flea bites are most common on areas of the body with tight clothing, especially the lower legs & around the waist. The itching of flea bites is caused by an allergic reaction. Sensitivity to flea bites varies between people; children often have especially severe reactions (so can dogs!). In sensitive people, the bite is often surrounded by a "halo" of red, irritated skin.

All customers who have a flea treatment will need to stay out of the house for 3-4 hours until chemical dries.

Flea chemical is caustic. Be aware that when our technician comes to survey your home, he will actively look for fleas. If our technician cannot find any fleas, HE WILL NOT TREAT YOUR HOME. Part of being responsible, environmentally and professionally, is to be be certain that we treat only for the specific pests at any residence. Don’t get mad at us for safeguarding your health.

Before Treatment of Premises

· Pick up all toys, clothing, and stored items from floors, under beds, and in closets– Essential! so that all areas will be accessible for treatment.

· Cover pet food and water dishes, fish tanks, and disconnect tank aerators.

· Wash (in HOT water), dry-clean or destroy all pet bedding. (If you place pet bedding in the dryer, be sure to clean the lint trap!)

· Turn OFF A/C.

· Vacuum! - The pupae, after development, are stimulated to emerge as adults by movement, pressure, or heat. Vacuuming also improves our insecticide's penetration by raising the nap of the carpet or rug so the treatment can get down to into the carpet fibers where fleas live, especially in pet areas!

After vacuuming, seal the vacuum bag in a garbage bag and discard it in an outdoor trash container immediately. Fleas can climb out of your vacuum and re-infest your home!

Check out our article on fleas, What is the most faithful insect?