When Temperatures are on the Rise
With average temperatures in Tampa Bay skirting 90 degrees, it’s hard to imagine that anything could make this summer heat more intolerable. And yet, there exists a tiny pest which can irritate even the most stoic of picnic hosts and their furry companions. FLEAS.
We are all too familiar with these small but vicious parasites. Summer heat makes these small insects develop quickly, making them especially difficult to control. Under average weather conditions, the development of a flea from egg to larvae to blood-sucking adult takes an average of two months.
However, when temperatures are on the rise, this process can happen in as few as two weeks. This rapid laying-cycle, paired with Florida’s balmy, humid air is the perfect climate for fleas and their offspring.
A Day in the Life of a Flea
A single female flea can lay about 40 eggs per day. Shortly after their first meal, adult fleas will begin breeding and laying eggs, restarting the life-cycle with ruthless efficiency. Adults live from a couple weeks to several months, feeding on the warm bodies of humans and pets alike. The adults that you can see only account for a small percentage of the total population of fleas that are in various stages of development.
A single flea could lay several thousands of eggs in her lifetime—an impressive, if not worrying thought. And in between her breeding and laying frenzy, that adult flea is busy making blood meals of the warm bodies living under your roof.
Home Invaders
Carpets, rugs, blankets, dog beds, that pile of laundry you meant to do last week… they can even be hiding out in the floor molding of your house and breeding in the thousands right under your nose. As if that weren’t bad enough, these little blood-suckers are probably camping out in your yard as well, just waiting for the opportunity to jump onto your lovable canine companion, or even you.
The bug bombs you can buy at your local hardware store just aren’t going to cut it when summer temperatures, rain, and humidity are in their favor. If you are lucky enough to go on vacation and escape the heat, these critters could just be multiplying in numbers.
Treatment and Prevention
In addition to protecting your pets with appropriate flea and tick prevention, making sure your yard is also protected is a must if you want to keep their numbers from increasing. Keeping up on basic yard maintenance— such as mowing your grass and raking dead leaves and clearing other debris that can shelter these unwanted invaders— is at the top of that honey-do-list.
Next should be setting up a comprehensive plan to keep those fleas at bay. If you’ve noticed any signs of fleas in your home, contact JD Smith Pest Control right away. We can suggest the best flea treatment or prevention method for your home. This will help ensure you can get rid of fleas and avoid future infestations.
Contact us at JD Smith Pest Control about flea treatment in Tampa Bay. We’ll be happy to go over the available options with you or provide an estimate for treatment and prevention today.
