Fleas
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are tiny, wingless insects (1–3 mm long) that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. Their powerful hind legs let them jump great distances, allowing them to move between hosts and into homes.
Common Flea Species in Texas
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Cat Flea (Ctenocephalides felis)
Most prevalent bites cats, dogs, and humans; thrives in warm, humid environments. -
Dog Flea (Ctenocephalides canis)
Less common, but also feeds on pets and people; similar life cycle to cat fleas. -
Human Flea (Pulex irritans)
Rare in homes today, but can bite humans; often found where rodent populations are high.
Flea Life Cycle
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Eggs (up to 50 laid per day) fall off the host into carpets, pet bedding or yard debris.
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Larvae hatch and feed on organic debris, including adult flea “dirt” (dried blood).
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Pupae form cocoons this stage can last days to months, emerging when they sense hosts.
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Adults jump onto hosts to feed within minutes of emerging, then begin laying eggs within 24–48 hours.
How Fleas Impact Your Home & Health
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Pet Health: Bites cause itching, hair loss, anemia in severe infestations, and can transmit tapeworms.
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Human Discomfort: Red, itchy welts often in clusters around ankles or legs.
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Allergies: Flea saliva can trigger allergic dermatitis in pets and people.
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Rapid Growth: A single female and her offspring can produce thousands of fleas in a season.
Warning Signs of a Flea Infestation
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Excessive Scratching: Pets constantly biting or licking fur, especially around belly and groin.
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Flea Dirt: Tiny black specks (flea feces) on pet bedding or carpets that turn red when wet.
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Visible Jumpers: Small, dark insects leaping from rugs, upholstery or your pet.
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Bite Marks: Clusters of raised, red bumps on family members’ legs and ankles.
Prevention Tips
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Treat Pets Regularly: Use veterinarian-approved topical or oral preventives year-round.
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Keep Carpets & Upholstery Clean: Vacuum weekly (including under furniture) and wash pet bedding.
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Maintain Yard: Mow lawn short, remove leaf litter, and treat shady, humid areas with granular products.
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Seal Cracks: Caulk gaps in flooring and baseboards to reduce indoor harborage sites.
Treatment Options
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Indoor Applications:
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Spot Sprays & IGRs to kill adults and inhibit larval development.
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Foggers for severe indoor infestations (used with caution).
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Outdoor Treatments:
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Granular Baits scattered on lawns and landscaping beds.
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Barrier Sprays around home perimeter and pet play areas.
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Integrated Approach: Combining pet treatment, indoor cleanup, and outdoor applications for full eradication.
Why Flea Control Matters
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Pet Health - Flea bites cause itching, skin infections, and can transmit tapeworms.
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Allergy Risk - Flea saliva can trigger severe allergic dermatitis in humans and pets.
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Explosive Growth - A single female flea lays up to 50 eggs per day, and infestations skyrocket fast.
Our Flea Treatment Process
Comprehensive Inspection
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We check indoor hotspots (carpets, pet bedding, baseboards) and outdoor areas (yards, kennels).
Custom Treatment Plan
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You receive a detailed proposal: method, timing, prep steps, and cost.
Precision Application
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We apply yard granules to kill larvae, then treat indoor carpets and furniture with targeted sprays or fog.
Follow-Up Check
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We return 7-10 days later to vacuum up any hatching eggs and retreat if necessary.
Why Choose Deep Six Pest Control?
Locally Owned & Operated
Fast & Friendly Service
Family & Pet Friendly Treatments
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Our Mission Statement
At Deep Six Pest, we are committed to transforming the pest control industry through unmatched customer service and unwavering honesty. We believe in building trust by delivering transparent, effective solutions tailored to each customer’s needs, ensuring a pest-free environment while exceeding expectations. Our mission is to disrupt the industry by setting a new standard for excellence, integrity, and customer care in every interaction.