What Makes Fleas a Problem?

Fleas may be tiny, but their impact is anything but small. These pests are aggressive biters that feed on blood, leaving behind itchy, red bumps, typically around the ankles on humans and all over the body on pets. More than just a nuisance, fleas are also known carriers of disease. They can transmit tapeworms, typhus, and even plague, and their bites may cause serious allergic reactions or anemia in animals. One of the biggest challenges with fleas is their explosive life cycle. They reproduce quickly, moving through four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult, with eggs hatching in as little as one day. The pupae stage is particularly stubborn, as they can remain hidden and dormant in carpets or cracks for weeks, only emerging when they detect the warmth and vibration of a nearby host. This makes flea infestations both difficult to detect early and hard to fully eliminate without professional help.
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Where Fleas Hide & Thrive?

Fleas often start outside, thriving in shaded, humid areas like tall grass, under decks, or in piles of leaves. When pets or people brush by, fleas jump on and catch a ride indoors, where they settle into carpets, rugs, pet beds, and even couch cushions. Flea eggs, larvae, and pupae fall off the host and accumulate in hidden crevices, allowing the infestation to grow unnoticed. They can be especially hard to spot because while adults are small and mobile, the earlier stages are nearly invisible to the naked eye. Once inside, fleas can spread quickly, making it essential to treat not just pets, but also their environment.

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How Can You Prevent a Flea Infestation?

The best way to keep fleas out of your home is a combination of consistent pet care and regular cleaning. Pets should be on a veterinarian-approved flea prevention plan all year round, fleas can survive even mild New England winters indoors. Keep your home vacuumed frequently, paying special attention to carpets, pet beds, and furniture. Wash bedding and soft items regularly in hot water. Outside, keep grass trimmed short and remove debris like leaves or straw where fleas may hide. If your pet goes outdoors often, check them for signs of fleas or itching, especially during the summer months when flea activity is highest.​

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Why Do You Need Professional Help?

While over-the-counter products and diligent cleaning can help reduce flea numbers, eliminating an infestation entirely often requires professional intervention. That’s because fleas in the pupae stage can survive initial treatments and re-emerge days or weeks later. A professional pest control team understands the flea life cycle and uses products designed to break it at every stage. At Heritage Pest Control, our technicians perform a thorough inspection of your home and yard, identifying flea hot spots and using safe, targeted treatments to remove them. We also provide follow-up visits to ensure any lingering pupae don’t get a chance to restart the cycle. If you suspect fleas in your home, the sooner you act, the easier they are to eliminate, so don’t wait to call in the experts. ​

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