Fleas

What are fleas?

Fleas are tiny insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch) with flat, wingless bodies and long jumping legs, that are dark brown in color and reddish black when they are filled with blood. These insects feed on the blood of humans and animals, including cats, dogs, squirrels, raccoons and many other animals. Female fleas can lay 4 to 8 eggs after each blood meal and they can lay up to 500 eggs during her lifetime. Flea eggs are deposited on or between pet hairs and are easily shaken off into bedding, onto carpet or upholstered furniture. Unfortunately, adult fleas can live longer than one month without a blood-meal.

Why do I have them?

Typically, fleas are brought into your home on your pets, but even if you don’t have pets, fleas are excellent jumpers and can jump 6 inches vertically and can enter your home on your shoes or clothing.  Wildlife crossing your property many also introduce fleas, especially in damp, shaded areas.  Outside infestations of fleas are often from groundhogs, raccoons and squirrels as well as other wildlife. 

Are they dangerous?

When brought indoors, fleas may bite humans, leaving small, itchy, red welts that can trigger an allergic reaction. While fleas are associated with disease transmission, notably bubonic plague, typhus and tapeworms, fleas common to New Jersey are not known to transmit infectious diseases.

How do I get rid of fleas?

Fleas can be very difficult to control because they are brought inside our homes from an outside source and can hide in the cracks and crevices of furniture and wood flooring. Their small size makes them very difficult to see as well, especially on our pets. A ChemTec pest professional will design a customized flea control program that includes the use of insect growth regulators to prevent larval and juvenile fleas from maturing into adult pests.  We will also tailor our pest control services to fit the specific needs of your property, with the goal of eliminating all of these blood-sucking insects. 

Can I do it myself?

There are products available from your veterinarian that can effectively control fleas from getting on your pets, but if you do not have pets, getting rid of fleas on your own is not something many homeowners have success in doing. Many do-it-yourself repellents, sprays and bombs to rid your property of fleas simply do not work as the materials they use are not effective nor do they target all life stages.  Remember – if misused or mixed improperly, do-it-yourself pesticides can be very dangerous to people, pets or plants.

Is the treatment safe?

The pest professionals at ChemTec Pest Control will first correctly identify and confirm the presence of fleas in your home or business and then create a treatment plan that will eliminate your pest problem quickly and in an environmentally responsible manner. Before any treatments begin, our inspectors will consult with you regarding your children, pets and gardens and then based on your current situation they will customize a treatment plan specifically for you.  Based on your specific need, we may ask you to vacate the premises during treatment.  To help our pest control technicians provide effective service, please:

• Vacuum before and after flea treatment

• Remove all clutter from floors

How soon can you get here?

ChemTec Pest Control is committed to helping you as soon as possible. In most cases, we can respond the same or very next day.

What is the guarantee?

Our guarantee is simple: if you are not completely satisfied, we will give you your money back. If you have a problem with the pest after our services, just call us and we will come back to re-treat for the pest at no additional charge within the warranty period. Please note, that biting insects may be seen up to 21 days after treatment.  We want all of our customers to be completely satisfied with our services and we will always work towards that goal.  Please visit Our Guarantee page for more information.

How can I prevent this in the future?

One of the most effective ways to prevent flea infestations in the future is to properly use a flea preventative on your pets, but because fleas are difficult to control, many flea problems can still arise. Many of our customers choose a continuous Protection Program to help guard against future flea infestations.  

Where does ChemTec Pest Control service?

ChemTec provides service in Saddle Brook, Franklin Lakes, Lodi, and throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex and Union Counties in New Jersey. We also provide service to Rockland and Orange Counties in New York.  Contact us today to learn more about the services available in your area.