What Are Fleas?
Fleas are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. In Texas homes, they primarily affect dogs and cats but will readily bite humans when pet hosts are unavailable.
A single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day. These eggs fall off pets into carpets, furniture, and bedding where they develop into larvae, then pupae, then adults—completing the cycle in as little as 2-3 weeks in ideal conditions.
Flea infestations are notoriously difficult to eliminate because treating pets alone doesn't address the 95% of the population living in your home environment as eggs, larvae, and pupae.
Understanding the Flea Life Cycle
Eggs (50% of population)
Laid on pets but fall off into carpets and furniture. White, oval, about 0.5mm. Hatch in 1-10 days depending on temperature and humidity.
Larvae (35% of population)
Worm-like, 2-5mm long, avoid light. Feed on organic debris and adult flea feces. Develop in carpets, cracks, and pet bedding for 5-11 days.
Pupae (10% of population)
Protected in silk cocoons that are nearly impervious to insecticides. Can remain dormant for months until stimulated by vibration, heat, or CO2.
Adults (5% of population)
What you see on pets. Dark brown, 1-2mm, flattened body. Begin feeding and reproducing within hours of emerging. Live 2-3 months on host.
Identification Guide
Size
Adult fleas: 1-2mm (about the size of a pinhead)
Color
Dark reddish-brown, appear black against light backgrounds
Shape
Laterally compressed (flattened side-to-side), wingless, powerful hind legs
Behavioral Signs
- Exceptional jumpers—can leap 12 inches vertically
- Move rapidly through pet fur
- Bite primarily on lower legs and ankles on humans
- Activity increases in warm, humid conditions
Signs of Flea Infestation
On Pets:
- Excessive scratching, biting, or licking
- Visible fleas moving through fur
- Flea dirt (black specks that turn red when wet—digested blood)
- Hair loss, particularly around tail and hindquarters
- Red, irritated skin or hot spots
In Your Home:
- Bites on human ankles and lower legs
- Small jumping insects on carpets or furniture
- Pets spending less time in certain rooms or furniture
- Black specks on pet bedding or where pets rest
Health Risks from Fleas
For Pets
- Flea allergy dermatitis—severe allergic reaction to flea saliva
- Anemia from blood loss in severe infestations (especially young or small pets)
- Tapeworm transmission when pets ingest infected fleas
- Secondary skin infections from constant scratching
For Humans
- Itchy, red bite marks typically on ankles and lower legs
- Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
- Rarely: transmission of diseases like murine typhus or plague (extremely rare in Texas)
Prevention Strategies
Pet Protection
- Year-round flea preventatives (topical, oral, or collar)
- Regular grooming and flea combing
- Bathe pets with flea shampoo when returning from boarding or grooming
- Limit contact with stray or wild animals
Home Maintenance
- Vacuum frequently, especially where pets rest
- Wash pet bedding in hot water weekly
- Maintain yard—mow grass, remove debris
- Seal crawl spaces where wildlife may harbor fleas
Environmental Control
- Treat outdoor areas where pets spend time
- Prevent wildlife (opossums, raccoons) from nesting under structures
- Keep grass short and reduce shaded, moist areas
Professional Flea Treatment
Complete flea elimination requires simultaneous treatment of pets, indoor environment, and outdoor areas where pets spend time.
Our Three-Pronged Protocol
Pet Treatment (Coordinate with Vet)
Ensure all pets on effective flea preventatives before environmental treatment
Indoor Treatment
Insecticide application to carpets, furniture, baseboards, and pet resting areas. Includes insect growth regulator (IGR) to prevent larvae from maturing
Outdoor Treatment
Treat yard, especially shaded areas, under decks, and crawl spaces where pets rest or wildlife may harbor fleas
Follow-Up Treatment
Second treatment 14-21 days later to target newly emerged adults from protected pupae
Treatment Cost Expectations
Common Questions
Q: I treated my pets, why do I still have fleas?
Pet treatments only kill adult fleas on the animal. The eggs, larvae, and pupae living in your carpets and furniture continue to develop. Whole-home treatment is necessary.
Q: How long until the fleas are completely gone?
With proper treatment, you'll see significant reduction within 24-48 hours. Complete elimination typically takes 2-4 weeks as protected pupae emerge and contact treated surfaces.
Q: Do I need to leave during treatment?
Yes, pets and people should leave for 2-4 hours during indoor treatment and until surfaces are dry. Fish tanks should be covered and pumps turned off.
Q: Can fleas live in homes without pets?
Yes, but not indefinitely. If previous occupants had pets, fleas can remain dormant in pupal stage for months waiting for a new host. They'll readily bite humans in absence of pets.
Stop the Scratching
Protect your pets and family from flea infestations.
Let us eliminate fleas from your entire home.