How To Get Rid Of Fleas In Hampton Roads

Fleas are mysterious pests. One big reason they're so mysterious is that most people don't know all that much about them. For example, do you know that fleas don't start life as six-legged insects? They're worm-like larvae that turn into fleas, much like caterpillars turn into butterflies. If you see tiny fleas jumping up at you from your floor, you might think they're baby fleas when they aren’t. Misreading the evidence of your infestation can lead to all sorts of problems with your pest control. Join us as we discuss a few of the misconceptions about fleas and how you can get rid of fleas as well as keep them out of your Hampton Roads home.

The trouble with flea bites

We're sure you know that fleas bite. While they prefer to bite your dog or your cat, they'll turn on you in a heartbeat. Not only will those itchy bites drive you crazy, but they may also drive you to act. However, improper action can lead you down a long road of suffering. Here are just a few of the many ways flea control can fall short due to a lack of knowledge.

• You could create a trap to catch fleas. It is simple: Place a plate with soapy water on the floor and put a desk lamp over it. The fleas jump toward the heat and land in the soapy water. You can catch lots of fleas this way, but using this method alone will not stop fleas from reproducing in your home.
• You could sprinkle diatomaceous earth (DE) on your rugs. When fleas move through DE, it damages their exoskeletons, and they dehydrate. But DE doesn't do anything to destroy eggs or flea larvae hidden in the fibers of a carpet. You'll get tired of having that powder all over the place and suck it up with a vacuum long before all the fleas emerge from their eggs.
• You could use vinegar and water to kill a flea. A mixture of vinegar and water will kill a flea on contact. But spraying surfaces will do nothing to control fleas once the liquid is dry.
• You could use an over-the-counter control material. But many of them are topical and do nothing to address fleas or eggs in the places where they are hiding.

Do you see the problem? A flea treatment must take into consideration flea reproduction. It must have a residual impact and last long enough to address new fleas hatching from their eggs. Contact a licensed pest control service provider for help. For effective flea control in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk, or elsewhere in Hampton Roads, reach out to Getem Services.

The best way to exterminate fleas

The best way to control fleas, ants, centipedes, black widows, mice, and other frustrating pests is to get year-round home pest control. When you sign up for quarterly pest control services with Getem Services, we’ll send a specialist every three months to inspect and evaluate your pest control needs and perform a pest treatment.

Contact Getem Services today to learn more about home pest control and ongoing treatments to stop fleas. We have the experience to get the results you want.

Flea prevention tips

In addition to professional flea control, here are a few things you can do to make your property less friendly to fleas and their host animals:

• Remove bird feeders.
• Pick up overripe or rotting fruit.
• Keep your trash and compost bins covered.
• Trim landscaping, remove weeds, and cut grass routinely.
• Do not over-water your lawn.
• Haul away brush, rock piles, and yard clutter.
• Seal up holes that rodents could use to get inside your home.
• Speak with your vet about a flea treatment for your pets.

Remember that you're never alone when it comes to keeping pests out of your home. Your Getem Services team has an effective and sustainable solution.