Flea Myths

This page is a general article that discusses some common myths associated with fleas. By reading this page you can find links to effective flea control and learn more accurate information about fleas.

Fleas, no one wants these repulsive, blood sucking insects in their home, yard, or pets. Although fleas have been around for as long as you can remember there are still numerous myths surrounding these pests.

By learning the truth about these creatures you can save yourself time and money on amount of products to use. Our DIY guide will help to debunk common misconceptions about these pests and provide 100% flea control through our linked article. For more information, you can always speak with one of our trained experts through email, phone, or in person at one of our stores.

Myth: Clean Homes Do Not Have Fleas

Unfortunately, even the most kept up home can become infested with fleas. Fleas can inhabit any areas with carpet, rugs, bedding, furniture and even in between the baseboards of your floor. These pests can also survive in your front yard in shaded and moist areas such as your shrubs, tall grass, and areas that are not directly in the open.

Fact: Cleaning your home will help keep fleas from thriving, but almost every yard will have fleas in it. The best way to reduce the chances of fleas infesting your home or pets is to prevent the infestation in the first place.

You will begin by treating your pet first with Petcor and Martin's Prefurred. Remember the size, health, weight, and species of your pet will determine how much of these products you can apply. Next, if your home is not already clean then vacuum to help soak up any flea eggs or fleas residing on the floor.

Treat the inside of your home with Novacide Flea and Tick Killer on your furniture and carpeting, except for the pets bedding. You will need to either wash or throw away the pets bedding if heavily infested.

Lastly treat your yard with Valar Plus Bifenthrin Granules and Supreme IT. Treat your yard with 2.3 to 4.6 lbs. of Valar Plus Bifenthrin Granules per 1,000 sq. ft. first. Then apply 1 fl. oz. of Supreme IT per gallon of water per 1,000 sq. ft. It may sound ideal to treat your yard first, but if you do this then you are pushing fleas more into your home to escape your yards treatment.

Myth: Flea Treatments are Not Needed in Winter

As winter and the cold season months approaches you think that insects like fleas will not survive the cold. Fleas are a yearly pest that can survive the cold by burrowing into your grass or coming inside your warm home to escape the cold.

Fact: Fleas are hard to kill pests because of their resistance to the cold and ability to quickly multiply. A flea can lay about one egg every hour and while fleas are in their eggs they cannot be harmed by insecticides until after they have hatched. When your pet, home, and yard has been treated regularly with the appropriate pesticide products and sanitization you can help to decrease the flea population.

Myth: If You Do Not See Fleas on Your Pet or Home, No Treatment is Needed

When examining your pet you may not see signs of flea feces or signs of fleas themselves, but this does not mean that fleas are not existent within your property or home. Fleas are an on-going pest that every yard will have, but this does not mean you cannot control their populations. By implementing a monthly application outside of your home with Supreme IT you can help to keep your pet and yourself safe from fleas.

Fact: Your pets will scratch, bite, and perhaps start to lose some of their fur when they are infested with fleas. Just because you do not see these signs on your pet does not mean you do not have a flea infestation. To quickly identify and control fleas before their population increases look for signs of flea feces. Take a paper towel and collect these dirt looking specks and lightly soak with water. After several minutes, the specks of dirt should turn reddish brown if it is flea waste.

Myth: If I Keep My Pet Indoors, They Cannot Catch Fleas

Most people assume that only animals can have fleas, but this is not true. Fleas will live and breath on any warm-bodied creature consuming their blood, including you.

Fact: Fleas will attach themselves to the fibers of your clothes such as pants, shirts, or lace on shoes when walking around outside or even inside another persons home. Once you enter your home fleas will often leave you and latch onto your pet or furniture, most often fleas prefer to live on pets due to the warmth and blood source pets provide.

Myth: Flea Products are Toxic, and Harmful to Environment

Many pet or homeowners believe that insecticide products to remove fleas will harm the environment or their beloved furry companions. While history has seen insecticide products that have not been friendly to the environment there has been great modern improvements within society today. Any insecticide or pesticide products have to be approved and tested by the food and drug administration (FDA) within the United States of America.

Fact: Before implementing any flea preventative medication it is best to talk to your veterinarian or take into account of your pets size, species, weight, and current medical condition.

Key Takeaways

Will One Treatment Remove All Fleas?

• Unfortunately, fleas are an on-going pest that will inhabit your yard and possibly your home. But, by following an continuous preventative treatment such as treating the outside of your home with Supreme IT and Valar Plus Bifenthrin Granules every couple of months you can decrease the amount of fleas you have.

Can Only Pets Have Fleas?

• Fleas will live on either a person or animal to ingest their blood and have a warm, moist shelter. Fleas can also survive on carpet, rugs, in between cracks and crevices such as floor boards, and any upholstered furniture.

When Should I Treat for Fleas?

• A proper flea preventative treatment should begin immediately when you see even one flea on your pet or anywhere in your home. It is beneficial to occasionally clean your home every two weeks with a proper vacuuming and outside treatment of Supreme IT and Valar Plus Bifenthrin Granules. For homes with pets, it would be beneficial to wash your pets bed at least once a week to help decrease the chances of fleas and to apply Novacide Flea and Tick Killer on your furniture, except for on your pets bed.