Boy playing with dog in the backyard | Active Pest Control serving Georgia

Need flea control? Get a free, no-obligation quote.

Professional Flea Removal & Extermination Services

Serving Atlanta Metro | Columbus | Augusta | Savannah

Fleas are a dreaded pest in any household. Homes with pets are especially vulnerable to flea infestations, especially if your cats or dogs spend time outdoors. Getting rid of a flea problem is no easy task, making it important to know how to prevent an infestation in the first place.

The flea exterminators at Active Pest Control know how distressing a flea problem can be for you and your family alike. Flea control is no easy task, which is why it’s crucial to get help from your local experts in flea removal.

How Does Pest Control Flea Treatment Work?

Pest control flea treatment is a comprehensive process designed to rid your home of fleas and prevent future infestations. Fleas are tiny, parasitic insects that can cause significant discomfort for both pets and humans. A professional flea exterminator will address the entire flea life cycle, including flea eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult fleas. The treatments and products used will depend on your specific situation, so it’s best to seek advice from a professional residential pest control company. This treatment should not only target current flea infestations but also prevent future flea problems, ensuring a comfortable, flea-free environment in your home.

What Attracts Fleas?

Fleas are attracted to warm-blooded animals, making your pets their primary target. They thrive in environments where pets, especially cats and dogs, spend most of their time, such as bedding, carpets, and furniture. Fleas are also drawn to moisture and warmth, which is why they often infest areas with high humidity. Flea infestations can quickly get out of control if left untreated, as fleas multiply rapidly, laying eggs in soft furnishings and floor cracks.

What Do Fleas Look Like?

Fleas are small, wingless insects, usually reddish-brown, with flat bodies that enable them to move quickly through fur and bedding. Adult fleas are about 1/8 inch long and can be seen with the naked eye. Flea feces, which look like black specks, is a telltale sign of a flea infestation and can be found on your pet’s skin or in areas where your pet sleeps.

Do Fleas Bite?

Yes, fleas do bite, and their bites can cause intense itching and irritation. Both pets and humans can suffer from flea bites, leading to scratching, redness, and in some cases, allergic reactions. Flea bites often appear as small, red bumps, usually in clusters on the skin.

When to Call an Exterminator for Fleas

The key to flea control is preventing or stopping an infestation early on. In order to never have to deal with a flea problem, it’s important to know the signs of a flea infestation:

Adult fleas. You may be able to spot adult fleas. On your pet, they look like dot-like bugs hidden in the hind legs, head, or neck.
Odd pet behavior. Excessive scratching, reddened skin, hair loss, pale gums, and bumps are all signs of fleas on dogs or cats.
Flea dirt. Flea feces (called flea dirt) looks similar to coarse black pepper.
Flea larvae or eggs. Larvae look like minuscule white worms that are about 2-5 mm long with pale hairs covering their bodies.

Flea Removal for YOUR HOME

Once fleas have infested your home, they can spread quickly to your bedding, pet items, carpets and rugs, furniture, baseboards, and more. Catching an infestation in its early stages is always the best way to stop fleas from spreading. If you have an infestation, you may need to enlist the help of a flea exterminator. Our Active Pest Control flea control experts will thoroughly inspect your property and help customize a flea management plan.

How to Prepare for a Flea Exterminator

Before a flea exterminator arrives, follow these steps to ensure effective treatment:

Vacuum Thoroughly: Vacuum carpets, rugs, furniture, and pet bedding to remove flea eggs and larvae.
Wash Pet Bedding: Clean all pet bedding in hot water to kill fleas and eggs.
Clear Clutter: Remove items from floors, especially in infested areas, to allow better access for treatment.
Secure Pets: Ensure pets are treated for fleas and are out of the home during treatment.

Where To Spray for Fleas?

To effectively target fleas, we spray areas where fleas and their eggs are most likely found—pet bedding, carpets, and rugs are all prime hotspots for fleas. Upholstered furniture, particularly in the crevices and seams, should also be sprayed. Additionally, we apply treatment along baseboards, floor cracks, and other hidden areas where fleas may hide. Addressing these key areas is essential to breaking the flea life cycle and preventing re-infestation.

What to Do After an Exterminator Sprays for Fleas?

After a flea extermination treatment, wait for the recommended time before re-entering your home, usually 2-4 hours. Once inside, vacuum all carpets, rugs, and furniture daily for at least two weeks to remove any surviving fleas and eggs. Wash all pet bedding and clean areas where pets spend time. Monitor your pets for fleas and consult your veterinarian if necessary. Avoid washing floors and treated areas for several days to allow the insecticide to work effectively. These steps help ensure the treatment’s success and prevent re-infestation.

How Long Does it Take To Exterminate Fleas?

While adult fleas may die within a few hours after treatment, flea eggs and larvae can take up to 2-3 weeks to be fully eradicated as they mature and are exposed to insecticides. Consistent vacuuming and follow-up treatments may be necessary to break the flea life cycle completely.

How Long Will I See Fleas after Extermination?

You may still see fleas for up to two weeks after extermination as eggs and larvae mature and emerge. The insecticide targets adult fleas, but newly hatched fleas may take time to be exposed and killed. Continuous vacuuming and monitoring are essential during this period to eliminate any remaining fleas and prevent re-infestation.

How To Prevent a Flea Infestation?

To keep your home, family, and pets safe from fleas, it’s important to know how to prevent fleas in the first place! This starts with knowing how to look for fleas. Some other important tips to keep fleas away include:

Take your pets to your veterinarian. Flea control products can safeguard your cats and dogs from fleas, which will effectively keep them out of your home!
Keep nuisance wildlife out of your yard. Raccoons, opossums, deer, cattle, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and skunks can all carry fleas and deposit flea eggs and larvae into your yard.
Wash bedding frequently. If you suspect a flea may have gotten inside your property, run your pet’s bedding, laundry, sheets, and more through a hot wash.
Vacuum thoroughly. Vacuum all areas of the home including upholstery. Carefully dispose of vacuum bags.

What Do Flea Bites
Look Like?

How to Get
Rid of Fleas

Georgia’s Best Flea Exterminators

Contact Us Today To Schedule a Comprehensive Flea Removal Consultation

A flea problem in your property can be a real nuisance. But can an exterminator get rid of fleas for you? Active Pest Control’s flea exterminators will work with you to ensure all signs of fleas in your property are gone, for good. Contact us today!



Active Pest Control Reviews

We really appreciate that Jeff is always on time! He always wears show covers from before the pandemic. Gives us an explanation of what he is doing makes us comfortable. Thank you so much, he is wonderful!

– Chihiro Oguchi

FAQs

What pest control is best for fleas?

To effectively control fleas, start with a thorough cleaning: vacuum carpets, wash bedding, and treat your pets with vet-approved flea treatments. For your home, use a spray to stop flea eggs from maturing. If the infestation persists, consider hiring a professional pest control service, which can apply more potent treatments and ensure all life stages of fleas are eradicated.

How do pest controllers get rid of fleas?

Pest controllers use a strategic approach to eliminate fleas. First, they assess the infestation and treat affected areas with insecticides that target adult fleas and insect growth regulators (IGRs) to stop eggs from hatching. They may also recommend thorough cleaning, including vacuuming and washing bedding. Some services use heat treatments to kill fleas at all life stages. Follow-up visits ensure the infestation is fully eradicated, providing long-term protection against fleas.

Is it worth hiring an exterminator for fleas?

Hiring an exterminator for fleas can be worth it, especially for severe or persistent infestations. Professional pest controllers have access to more potent treatments that target all life stages of fleas, ensuring a more thorough eradication. They also offer expert advice and follow-up visits to prevent re-infestation. While it’s an added cost, the peace of mind and effectiveness provided by a professional service can save you time and frustration in the long run.