Fleas are perhaps one of the most common pests that homeowners find themselves facing. These tiny pests can not only feed on your pets but also on the human part of your household. At the first sign of fleas, arranging pest control in Knoxville is important to help you take charge of the situation. If not treated properly, fleas can infest your property, making them much more difficult to remove, so taking action early is the best course of action.
Here are some of the things you need to know about fleas and what to do if you find evidence of them on your pet or in your home.
The Life Cycle of Fleas
Fleas undergo a complete metamorphosis consisting of four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. This life cycle can span from a couple of weeks to several months, depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.
The cycle begins when adult female fleas, which live on warm-blooded hosts like dogs, cats, or humans, lay tiny white eggs. These eggs frequently drop from the host and gather in spots such as pet bedding, carpets, or tiny crevices in the floor Within two to ten days, the eggs hatch into larvae.
Larvae are small, worm-like creatures that avoid light and feed on organic debris, particularly adult flea feces, which contain undigested blood. This stage will usually be from 5 to 15 days, then the larvae create a cocoon and enter the pupal stage.
While cocooned, the flea will begin to transform into its adult form. The pupal stage can last a week, but fleas may remain dormant for months under unfavorable conditions, such as cold or dry environments. They will only emerge from the cocoon when they sense a host is close, by using heat, vibration, and carbon dioxide as indicators.
Once they emerge, adult fleas seek out a host to feed on blood and begin reproduction almost immediately. Under ideal conditions, the flea life cycle can be completed in just three weeks, allowing infestations to grow rapidly if not addressed.
Do Fleas Carry Disease?
Most people tend to brush off fleas as nothing more than a minor annoyance, but fleas do carry disease and can pose a genuine threat to your health, which is why you need to work with pest control in Knoxville to handle the infestation as soon as possible. Some of the diseases that fleas are known to carry include the following:
- Bubonic Plague - Most people associate bubonic plague, also known as The Black Death, with rats, but fleas were also known to transmit the disease as they move from host to host, feeding on their blood. Although the disease has been largely eradicated, fleas still carry it, and there are a handful of cases in the US each year, primarily affecting pets, but this can also pose a threat to humans. Treatment is now fairly simple, but it is still something most would rather avoid, so it is wise to arrange pest control in Knoxville sooner rather than later if you have a flea problem.
- Murine Typhus - Fleas are also known to carry murine typhus. Although it is relatively rare in North America, a handful of cases are reported every year. Symptoms include fever, nausea, and weakness. If left untreated, it can develop into neurological decline.
- Tularemia - Tularemia can be spread by both fleas and ticks and can be fatal if not treated promptly with antibiotics. Symptoms include skin lesions, swollen lymph glands, inflammation of the eyes, and pneumonia.
How Is a Flea Infestation Treated?
When you call pest control in Knoxville to tackle a flea infestation, they will usually start by carrying out a full inspection of your home to identify flea activity. Some of the most common places that should be checked include pet beds, carpets, bedding, and furniture. Once they have an understanding of how extensive the problem is, the next step is to devise the most appropriate treatment plan to tackle the infestation. Insecticide can target the adult fleas, larvae, and eggs. They may also apply insect growth regulators (IGRs) to stop eggs and larvae from reaching maturity. For the best results, it is recommended that you treat both the interior and the exterior of the property to make sure all of the fleas are exterminated. Pest control in Knoxville may also suggest a follow-up treatment, as some eggs may have survived the initial treatment.
What Can You Do To Avoid Fleas?
Avoiding fleas involves a mix of good pet care, home maintenance, and awareness of outdoor exposure. Here are some practical steps:
- Use vet-approved flea preventatives year-round (topical treatments, oral medications, or flea collars).
- Check pets regularly, especially if they’ve been outside or around other animals.
- Bathe and groom your pets often, using flea combs to spot early signs.
- Vacuum often, paying particular attention to carpets, rugs, pet beds, furniture, and baseboards. It is best to get rid of the contents of the vacuum, Dispose of the vacuum bag or canister contents immediately.
- Wash all pet beds and blankets every week in hot water.
- Declutter to reduce flea-hiding spots like cracks, piles of clothes, or old fabric.
- Mow the lawn regularly and keep shrubs trimmed.
- Remove debris and excess moisture, which create flea-friendly environments.
- Keep wild animals away; they can carry fleas (seal trash, use fencing, etc.).
Fleas may be small, but their impact on your home, pets, and health can be significant. From rapid reproduction to the risk of disease transmission, these pests are far more than just a nuisance. Understanding their life cycle, knowing the dangers they pose, and acting quickly with professional pest control in Knoxville can make all the difference in keeping your home flea-free. Don’t wait until an infestation takes root—proactive prevention and prompt treatment are the best ways to ensure your home is safe and comfortable for both you and your pets.
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Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee!
Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.
112 Hayfield Road 
