Can Ultraviolet Light Kill Fleas? The 68 Correct Answer

What color are fleas attracted to?

summary

Fleas are most attracted to the colors red, blue, and black. Yellow and white targets attract the fewest fleas. Cat fleas are also attracted to light sources. They respond best to green-yellow light. However, color plays a minor role in host finding because fleas use a combination of many attractions.

details

host color

target color

One study observed the response of fleas to different colored targets: white, yellow, black, blue, and red. The red and blue targets were the most attractive, with 79% of the fleas responding to Figure 1. Black and yellow were moderately attractive. The worst performing color was white, attracting only 36.9% of fleas.

Fig. 1 Percentage of fleas responding (y-axis) to different colored targets (x-axis).

target and background color

A similar experiment used white and black targets and against white and black backgrounds. Fleas were significantly more attracted to the black targets, regardless of the background color. The best response (68.9%) was obtained with a black target on a white background. The worst response (23.4%) occurred with a white target on a white background.

surface of the paint

In the same study, a white target was bisected with a red band. The tape was tested at different thicknesses: 3, 6 and 9 cm. The solid white target attracted the fewest fleas, and the solid red target was the most attractive. The response of the fleas progressively increased as the surface became redder.

Bright color

Cat fleas are positively phototactic, meaning they are attracted to light sources. The green to yellow part of the spectrum attracts the most fleas, especially at wavelengths between 500 and 530 nm Fig. 2. Green-yellow light attracts more than twice as many fleas as standard white light. Adding a green filter to lighted flea traps makes them significantly more effective.

Fig. 2 Percent of fleas responding to light of different wavelengths (y-axis) in nanometers (x-axis) compared to 345 nm light.

Light passing through a light green or yellow-green filter also outperforms standard light (1.67 and 1.15 times, respectively). Other colors do not attract more fleas than white light. Red, magenta and pink filters perform the worst. Cat fleas cannot see wavelengths longer than 630 nm (red light).

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Are you looking for easy and effective ways to get rid of fleas in the house? Most flea infestations come from pets, but the pesky pests can bite both you and your pets. If your furry friend has fleas, your home, yard, and furniture are likely to be targeted next.

Not only is there making sure you regularly comb your dogs and cats with a flea comb, but there are many natural ways to avoid a nasty infestation.

What do fleas look like?

George D LeppGetty Images

Fleas are reddish brown, incredibly thin, and have large hind legs. They’re about an eighth of an inch long, but you’re unlikely to be able to see them clearly without a microscope.

Adult fleas live on animals’ fur, where they lay their eggs. The average life cycle of a flea is around 100 days, however they can live up to a year indoors if conditions are right for them.

They go through four stages of life:

Egg larva pupa adult

Take a look at some of the effective ways you can get rid of them in your home:

1. Use baking soda

A surefire way to remove fleas that have lodged themselves in the fibers of your carpet is to sprinkle some baking soda on it, scrub it, and then vacuum it. Likewise, vacuuming your carpet regularly will help keep the pests at bay. Also, pay close attention to the areas where pets sleep. Fleas can transmit diseases to humans, so it’s important that you’ve done a thorough cleaning everywhere.

Read our guide to the telltale signs your pet has fleas for more information.

2. Sprinkle salt

Much like baking soda, salt works in a similar way. According to Rentokil, sprinkling some salt on your carpet, letting it sit for two days, and then vacuuming it will help get rid of fleas quickly. How does it work? The salt acts as a dehydrating agent, getting rid of fleas quickly and naturally without the use of chemicals.

3. Lemon Spray

Thanks to their acidic juice, lemons are also a brilliant all-natural way to eliminate the presence of fleas in the home. To craft your own remedy, simply follow the steps below:

1. Cut a thin slice of lemon and place in a pan over the stove. Add boiling water and leave overnight.

2. The next morning, decant the lemon-infused liquid into a spray bottle.

3. Spray on flea infested areas such as carpets, sofas, pet beds or chairs. Remember to only spray lightly and compare to the fabrics beforehand. The strong scent kills the fleas and leaves your home smelling fresh.

Merethe Svarstad Eeg / EyeEm Getty Images

4. Wash all linens in hot, soapy water

For mild infestations, wash your bedding in hot, soapy water. The soap kills fleas while destroying their eggs and larvae. Also, consider vacuuming your mattress. Don’t forget to do the same with your pet’s bed.

5. Use rosemary

Fleas repel the strong pungent odor of rosemary, so this technique also works wonders if your dog has fleas. To make it work, all you have to do is boil some rosemary in a pot of water and let it cool overnight. Then drain the liquid into a spray bottle (make sure you separate the branches so none fall in). Next time you wash your dog, spray some of the natural solution on his coat and it will keep the fleas away.

kumacore Getty Images

6. Rent a steam cleaner

Steam cleaning your carpets, furniture, and pet beds is a great idea if you have a flea infestation. Thanks to the combination of high heat and soap, the fleas are gone in no time.

7. Use a strong vacuum

While steam cleaning can be incredibly effective, using a powerful vacuum often helps keep your home flea-free as well. Some of the areas to pay special attention to are floors, upholstery, mattresses and those hard-to-reach corners. When you’re done vacuuming, remember to empty the bag or filter immediately.

8. Use a pet-safe flea spray

If your pet has fleas, why not use an all-natural flea treatment spray? Simply spray on the desired area and reapply every third day for nine days until they are gone. This will also help minimize the presence of fleas in your home.

“Dogs with fleas will scratch, bite, and lick themselves to relieve the itch. Dogs that are allergic to fleas suffer from crusted rashes and hair loss,” says Everypaw Pet Insurance.

“To prevent flea infestations, you need to treat your dog and your home regularly. There are tablets, powders, sprays, spot-ons, and shampoos to kill adult and immature fleas to free eggs.”

Remember: If your flea infestation is getting out of control, it’s always best to seek advice from your veterinarian to get the right treatment for your pets.

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Getting rid of fleas is a difficult process due to a flea’s long life cycle. A moderate to severe infestation takes months to control and requires a four-step process to eliminate completely:

Hygiene. Thoroughly clean areas where fleas frequently breed. This includes washing bedding, carpets, and pet bedding, as well as thoroughly vacuuming and sweeping floors and carpeted areas, and along the edges of walls. pet treatment. Every pet in the household needs treatment. Bathe pets thoroughly with soap and water, then comb them with a flea comb. Pay particular attention to the face and neck regions and the area in front of the tail. Soap acts as a gentle insecticide to kill adult fleas. Talk to your veterinarian about choosing the right flea control product for your pet. treatment at home. Begin home treatment at the same time as pet treatment. This keeps all treatments on the same schedule and helps break the flea life cycle. A licensed commercial pest control applicator can help you determine which products are best for your home and garden. In general, when treating outdoors, focus on shaded areas and places where pets spend most of their time. Follow up. Fleas have a complex life cycle. At some stages of their life cycle, they are resistant to insecticides and other flea control agents. Getting rid of fleas at all stages of the life cycle requires two or more follow-up treatments within 5-10 days of the first application. Additionally, vacuuming and sanitation practices should be carried out during this time to pick up any remaining eggs and juvenile fleas.

Just the word “flea” can make us itch, and no wonder. A flea can quickly become a flea infestation that lays countless small flea eggs on dogs and cats.

Catching fleas early is important to control a flea outbreak. Controlling fleas at every life stage, including targeted flea eggs, is important to controlling a flea infestation.

Here are some tips for identifying flea eggs on pets and how to get rid of them so you can keep your pet and home pest-free.

What do flea eggs look like?

While adult fleas can be identified fairly easily, spotting flea eggs can be a bit more difficult.

Flea eggs are almost microscopic — typically about 0.5 millimeters long and about half that wide. That’s about the size of a grain of salt.

Flea eggs have a soft shell called a “chorion” that is off-white in color, similar to a grain of salt, although they are more oval-shaped.

Since flea eggs can easily be mistaken for dry skin or sand, it’s usually not the first thing pet owners notice when their pet has a flea problem. Finding flea feces or actual fleas on your pet or in your home are more obvious signs of a flea infestation.

If you want to distinguish a flea egg from something else, you can put the spot on a dark piece of paper under a magnifying glass to see the distinctive oval shape of a flea egg.

Flea Eggs vs. Flea Dirt

People often confuse “flea droppings” or flea feces with flea eggs—although both are signs of a flea infestation.

Unlike flea eggs, flea feces are dark and crumbly. You can identify flea feces by putting some of the stains on a piece of white paper and adding a few drops of water. If you see a red color – signaling the presence of digested blood – then you are dealing with flea feces.

Flea droppings are not actually harmful in and of themselves and are easily washed off with a gentle bath. The bad news is that it absolutely indicates a flea problem, which means your pet may need more than just a gentle bath to treat the bigger problem.

What do flea larvae look like?

Flea larvae that hatch from flea eggs are off-white in color and look like tiny worms, 2 to 5 millimeters long. You may not see them, however, as they quickly burrow deep into carpets, crevices, and grass.

How to get rid of flea eggs

Flea eggs make up more than half of a flea population at any one time, so it makes sense to address them quickly and effectively. However, eliminating flea eggs should be part of a multi-pronged approach to eliminating a flea infestation.

Treating Pets to Kill Flea Eggs

Many modern pet flea treatments contain ingredients that kill adult fleas and also contain insect growth regulators (IGRs) that prevent flea eggs from maturing into adult fleas. Some IGRs are also working to sterilize female fleas so they cannot lay viable eggs.

Talk to your veterinarian to decide what treatment they recommend for killing flea eggs on cats or dogs. They can help you choose the best product for your pet.

Products for eliminating flea eggs in the home

Foggers offer an easy way to kill flea eggs (and many other pests). It is recommended to use foggers in combination with sprays or other products that can be used under furniture where foggers have trouble reaching.

Many pet owners choose to use an environmental insect growth regulator to stop the development of fleas. Sprays with IGR, like Sentry Home household flea and tick spray for pets, are great for killing flea eggs in your home.

Vacuuming and cleaning to get rid of fleas

Another effective way to get rid of flea eggs in the area is thorough vacuuming. Flea eggs are not sticky, while adult fleas normally lay their eggs on their host, these eggs soon fall off into the environment.

Vacuuming kills adult and non-adult fleas (eggs, larvae, pupae) meaning you don’t have to worry about what to do with the vacuum bag or canister. A few years ago it was commonly believed that fleas would continue to evolve in a vacuum and enter the environment, but that is simply not the case.

You can remove 32-90 percent of flea eggs from carpet (depending on carpet type) simply by vacuuming every other day while treating your flea infestation. Vacuuming is a good idea even if you don’t have a carpet. On hard surfaces like hardwood or tile, vacuuming can lift flea eggs out of hard-to-reach crevices.

Vacuuming also lifts carpet fibers, allowing other environmental treatments to work more effectively.

Mopping and steam cleaning can help kill flea eggs, and it’s also wise to wash linens, bedding, and pet beds in the washing machine on the hot cycle.

If possible, declutter your home so it’s easier to clean and there are fewer places for flea eggs to hide.

It is important that your flea control program controls fleas at all life stages, including flea eggs. Using multiple types of flea protection will help fill in gaps in your strategy.

Be sure to speak to your veterinarian about the safety of any products you use in your home and on your pet.

Featured image: iStock.com/Nevena1987

So you want to kill some nasty bugs in your home with a Febreze air freshener? Let me help you with that!

Febreze can be used as an insecticide substitute to kill most insects. Spraying Febreze air freshener is an effective way to get rid of insects, either stunning them or killing them outright.

I understand that you don’t want your home to be dominated by bad pesticide smells for hours or even days. Luckily, you can get rid of ants, spiders, mosquitoes, bed bugs and many more in this sneaky way.

Stick with me as I explain how to use your Febreze air fresheners to start your next pest control mission!

Febreze 300ml Lavender Air Freshener Spray 6 Pack Non-flammable

100% natural propellant

lavender scent

Odor elimination for up to 90 days Buy now

Febreze vs Insecticide – What’s the Difference?

Here are some common differences between Febreze and insecticides:

Febreze Insecticide Febreze can control small insects such as ants, mosquitoes and spiders. Insecticides can eliminate all types of insects and pest infestations Febreze is a temporary pest control solution Insecticide can be a permanent solution to pests Febreze gives soothing smells Most insecticides smell bad It is non-toxic to pets, children and most plants if inhaled. Insecticides are powerful and can be toxic Febreze is much cheaper than insecticides (less than $4.99) Most insecticides cost more than $19.99

List of insects killed by Febreze air fresheners

Using air fresheners to kill pests is a very effective method as it gets rid of them instantly in less than 48 hours. The following insects are killed by this strong solution:

Does Febreze kill spiders?

Febreze can kill spiders instantly by spraying directly at them since they are fragile. The ingredients of air fresheners, i. H. Formaldehyde, xylene, and ethanol can easily kill spiders by suffocating them.

To do this, you should spray the cobweb areas. If your home is infested with spiders, remove all of their webbed clothing, which are possible hiding places. Then refresh the room by misting it once a day or twice on alternate days for about two weeks. After this time, come back again to check if there is still evidence of spiders there.

Watch out for giant spiders and Febreze will be too mild to kill or even hurt them.

Does Febreze kill ants?

Febreze is a brand of air freshener that contains ingredients proven to kill ants. The active ingredient in Febreze, called Hydroxypropyl Beta Cyclodextrin, has the ability to get rid of ants while leaving a good scent.

To get rid of ants with Febreze, use an ant bait and then follow it up with a full Febreze spray bottle.

Make sure you are a safe distance away (one foot) so the air freshener molecules don’t fly back at you.

Read more: 9 interesting facts about ant burial and cemeteries

Does Febreze Kill Bed Bugs?

Febreze Fabric Freshener can kill bed bugs while removing unwanted odors from your clothes, linens and other items. However, it is difficult to spray them directly as they are hidden deep in pillows and mattresses.

Therefore, Febreze is not a permanent solution to get rid of bed bugs once and for all. It can kill a bed bug or two in an instant. However, large colonies can live in your bed.

Does Febreze Kill Cockroaches?

Febreze doesn’t kill roaches and you need a powerful pesticide to kill them. The best it can do is stun the roach for a very short time, which is the best way to kill it.

Like insects in the kitchen, roaches are difficult to find and catch. And even if you find one, Febreze isn’t strong enough to kill them. Its scent takes over the cockroaches’ senses, paralyzing them and rendering them harmless.

Does Febreze kill flies?

It is difficult to kill flies with Febreze as they are fast enough to escape. However, you won’t come back sooner if you spray the Febreze air freshener sufficiently in the room.

The only houseflies fully exposed to the Febreze spray are eventually killed due to the HPVCD chemicals.

If you don’t have a good pesticide available, Febreze is a good alternative to get rid of flies for a short time.

Does Febreze kill termites?

Febreze air fresheners cannot kill termites. Because termites live in the soil, they need a pesticide that can destroy their colony. In severe cases, no bug spray will work against termites and you will need anti-termite treatment from professional pest control specialists.

Febreze will not completely kill the termite colony because termite colonies burrow into hard surfaces, making them difficult to attack with insecticides or sprays.

However, Febreze can be used to get rid of the bad odors once the anti-termite treatment has been given to you by the pest control experts.

However, Febreze can kill dust mites.

Does Febreze kill fleas?

Febreze is not an effective flea treatment, but it can be used to treat a flea infestation before it gets worse. You will have to repeat the spraying process for several days until you see no signs of flea infestation.

To get rid of fleas with Febreze, fleas must be exposed to Febreze application. The spray must be applied directly to them to affect them the most.

Likewise, it can also kill other mosquitoes like fruit flies, midges, etc.

Does Febreze kill moths?

Febreze can kill moths instantly by soaking their wings and intoxicating them. They are very fragile creatures and even Aerosol, Hairspray or Windex can be used to get rid of them.

They differ from normal flies, which can be controlled with any insecticide. You can create a fine mist to affect them while they’re perched on the wall or ceiling, although it won’t eliminate every single moth at once, as extermination is important even in severe cases.

Does Febreze kill mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are like eggshells and can be easily eliminated with Febreze. The air freshener immediately prevents mosquitoes from entering your house in the evening. Any Febreze product works similarly to mosquito repellent for early infestations.

However, in my personal opinion, Febreze is only a temporary mosquito control solution; it is not durable.

Does Febreze kill stink bugs?

Febreze air fresheners are not powerful enough to stink bugs. The best it can do is remove the smelly smell from them. Therefore, you should use a powerful pesticide against them.

Attempting to spray the product directly onto stink bugs will not get rid of them. Stink bugs have a strong outer shell that protects them from most toxins.

Does Febreze kill rodents?

Febreze cannot kill rodents like mice and rats. However, it may deter rodents for a short time as it can cause irritation to the body and lungs if inhaled. However, don’t expect much resistance from Febreze against giant pests like rats.

Febreze is far from a good solution for rodent extermination.

How to get rid of rodent burrows near your home

last words

The Febreze brand has been around for quite some time and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular product.

Not only does it smell nice, but it also kills harmful insects that are known to spread disease.

I recommend trying it!

Does Bug Zapper Kill Fleas?

Fleas are a big itchy problem in every household. Flea infestations are dominant in households with pets. You can find fleas not only on your pets, but also on carpets, food, people, and in every yard of your home.

A flea will bite the host’s skin and may cause itching. Adult fleas feed on the host’s blood and display their bite like that of a mosquito. Because of these flea problems, households are looking for different methods to ward off a flea infestation.

The insect killer is the best solution to kill fleas.

A bug killer consists of a cage-like structure that you can place near infested areas. Zapper contains a UV light that lures fleas into a trap. If they approach and touch the Zapper’s wires, they will be electrocuted.

How Do Bug Killers Kill Fleas?

Fleas are undoubtedly present in every nook and cranny of a home. Therefore, a strict method to kill them is the order of the day.

The Insect Killer serves as a booby trap to kill fleas. The fluorescent tube is the main component of a zapper. It has a UV light that attracts fleas to the trap. This flea trap has two electrical wires in the middle with a certain voltage between them.

When a bug flies near the insect killer, it is sure that the UV light will attract it. When attracted to bright light, these insects sit on the wires. As soon as they come within range of these electrical wires, the current flows through their small bodies. The zapper kills fleas by electric shock within a few seconds after the first contact.

Do fleas sleep?

summary

Fleas don’t sleep. However, they do have cycles of rest and activity. Fleas are most active at sunset and least active at sunrise. At dusk, movement, egg production and respiration increase. Fleas are never completely inactive. They produce eggs and feces throughout the day.

Adult fleas in cocoons can enter a dormant (sleep-like) state for up to 5 months. However, cat fleas do not have a true diapause or hibernation phase.

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Do insects sleep?

Insects don’t sleep like mammals. However, they do have circadian cycles of rest and activity. During the resting cycle, they are not very responsive to environmental stimuli. Their sensory systems become somewhat desensitized, similar to how other animals sleep.

locomotion

Fleas are most active when day turns into night. Keep in mind that the following studies were conducted on unfed fleas in a laboratory setting. Activity on hosts was not examined.

time

Cat fleas are most active in the evening and least active in the morning. A peak of locomotor activity occurs a few hours before nightfall (Fig. 1). Activity then gradually decreases during the scotophase (dark cycle), reaching its lowest point at daybreak. Fleas remain largely dormant during most of the photophase (light cycle).

Fig. 1 Mean locomotor activity of cat fleas (y-axis) at each hour over a day (x-axis). The scotophase (dark cycle) occurred from 1000 to 2000 hours.

light dark

The effects of light and dark cycles on flea movement were tested. In a 24-hour period (12:12, L:D), flea activity began to increase a few hours before the Scoto period and peaked in the light/dark transition period. Activity decreased overnight and reached its lowest point at the beginning of the photophase. As the lights came on, activity slowly picked up again.

In the same study, the light and dark cycles were reversed (lights on at night). Similar patterns of activity were observed, with more movement in the dark. However, the peak of activity occurred somewhat later in the scotophase.

When studying the effectiveness of flea traps, more fleas were caught at night than during the day. This provides further evidence that fleas are more active in the dark.

egg production

Egg production is affected by the time of day. Egg laying rates begin to increase just after sunset and reach their peak in the middle of the scotophase Fig. 2. The number of flea eggs laid then decreases until it reaches its lowest point just after sunrise. In general, egg production is higher at night, which is consistent with pet sleep patterns.

Fig. 2 Number of eggs produced per cat flea (y-axis) at each hour over a day (x-axis). The scotophase (dark cycle) occurred from 1800 to 0600.

One study observed egg production at three time periods over a day. 87.7 eggs were laid during the last 8 hours of the scotal phase. During the 8 hours of light, 49.9 eggs were laid. And the 8-hour transition time from light (2 hours) to dark (6 hours) accounted for 59.1 eggs. While more eggs were laid in the dark, no association was found between egg production and pet sleep patterns.

defecation

The time of day has no significant effect on the rate of flea shedding. Feces are produced randomly or constantly throughout the day Fig. 3.

Fig. 3 Amount of faeces excreted in mg per cat flea (y-axis) every hour over a day (x-axis). The scotophase (dark cycle) occurred from 1800 to 0600.

breathing

The effect of circadian rhythm on cat flea respiration was also studied. CO2 levels were measured in tubes with fleas. Some tubes were kept in the dark, others in the light. Fleas kept in the dark produce less CO2. The most important factor, however, was the time of day. Flea respiration peaked at 6:00 p.m. Fig. 4. This correlates with when they are most active, just before nightfall the evening before.

Light Dark No fleas

Fig. 4 Relative CO2 levels in tubes containing cat fleas (y-axis) every 4 hours over a day (x-axis).

rest & diapause

Pre-Emergent Adults

Shrouded adults may enter a sleep-like state. Fully developed adults can stay in their cocoons for a long time after pupation. The dormant phase can last up to 5 months. However, the fleas quickly awaken and emerge when they sense heat and pressure. These alerts indicate that a host is nearby.

hibernation

After emerging from cocoons, cat fleas cannot enter a dormant state. They don’t have a true diapause stage where they hibernate or overwinter.

references

Therefore, an infestation could cause a lot of trouble for you and your pets.

Itching is a good sign that you may have a flea infestation. Your pets may seem restless and uncomfortable with fleas on their bodies. You can also see these pests jumping around while trying to hide.

Unfortunately, fleas breed quickly and a small infestation can easily get worse in a short period of time. You could unknowingly create the right conditions for it in your home.

Luckily, you can change things up and get rid of these unwanted pests. But first, you should know what encouraged their presence in the first place.

1. You rarely clean your garden

Fleas will take up residence wherever they find tall grass and weeds in your yard. They are attracted to areas with moisture and plenty of shade. If you don’t mow your lawn regularly, the tall grass becomes the perfect breeding ground for these pests. Dead branches and leaves are also excellent hiding places for them to lay their eggs. Keep your garden clean to avoid infestation. Clearing debris from your garden ensures these pests cannot thrive.

Also, keep your grass short and tidy by mowing the lawn often. Without enough shade, the fleas have nowhere to hide. Your furry friends are also less likely to spread fleas, even if these pets like the outdoors.

2. You encourage wildlife to enter your property

Rodents, deer, and stray wildlife often have fleas. And if your home is inviting enough, these animals will find a way to get in. Puddles of water and debris around your home can attract them to your property. And when they do emerge, they leave fleas in your yard.

Yard clutter can also be very attractive to rodents as they might like hidden spaces. And if they find a way to get into your home, chances are they’ll live there and bring in more fleas. Your flea control expert may suggest that you put up a fence around your property to keep wildlife out. Also, dispose of your rubbish safely to deter rodents and other scavengers from entering your yard.

Drain puddles of water and anything else that might attract these animals into your home.

3. You fail to schedule frequent treatments

Flea larvae are often difficult to kill with insecticides alone. You would need to schedule a treatment session with your exterminator if you want quick results. A single treatment will kill adult fleas but may allow the larvae to mature freely. All it takes is a mature female flea to lay eggs and keep the cycle going. A common misconception is that fleas cannot survive the winter. However, these pests are adapting to the extreme cold by going dormant for weeks. When temperatures stabilize, they will hatch and breed.

A flea infestation happens quickly and can be difficult to treat. Therefore, flea treatment should not be a one-time thing. Regular treatment is the quickest and easiest way to stop these pests. Our mission at Quality Pest Control is to ensure a pest-free environment for you and your pets for a happier, healthier life. call today Before long, they will be everywhere, potentially wreaking havoc in your home. So whatever the time of year, always stay vigilant to make sure you get rid of these pests before it’s too late.

Fleas can be difficult to control. Due to their small size and exceptional maneuverability, getting rid of them is often quite difficult. Worse, fleas transmit dangerous diseases like typhus, a serious bacterial disease.

August 9, 2021

Even if you have the cleanest home, you may still have to deal with fleas infesting your home. Wen fleas find their way into your home; You can first notice them when your pet starts scratching and itching due to these unpleasant bites of fleas. They will nibble on their host’s blood. So how do fleas get into the house? Here we discuss where they come from and how to get rid of these fleas in your home.

How do you get fleas in the house

How do fleas get into your home?

What causes fleas in the house? The typical method for fleas to enter your home is when a cat or dog attracts fleas and brings them into your home. But fleas can also get in in other ways. You can get away with an old piece of furniture or clothing and the skin of an already infected person. Fleas don’t usually use humans as hosts, but they can travel through us. But fleas don’t necessarily need hosts to enter our homes. They are so microscopic that they can enter a home through cracks in the floor and window bars. To prevent a flea infestation, it’s best to vacuum and clean your home frequently. Also, it is best to change your pet’s bedding and bathe them frequently.

How long do fleas live?

The challenge is that fleas can lay eggs on their pets’ bedding and fur. Then those eggs fall to the ground and the furniture spreads like wildfire. It doesn’t take a lot of fleas before it becomes a serious infestation problem. In just a few months, fleas can lay around 500 eggs. Between one and twelve days, many of these young animals are hidden. They are tiny larvae that fit into tiny cracks in floors, carpets and furniture. Flea larvae only need about a week or two before they are fully grown; However, in humid and hot weather, it can take up to six months to reach this larval stage. From there, these larvae are kept in insecticide-resistant cocoons for about five weeks. But it’s also possible that larvae remain stuck in their cocoons for a long time before sensing that a potential host is approaching. But how can you get fleas? Typically, a flea infestation can also occur when a home has not been occupied for a long time and the owners finally return home. Or when new owners take over a house that has not been used for a long time.

Fleas usually thirst for blood as food, and females need to be fed in order to lay eggs. Fleas may not last as long under heat. If they don’t have blood in two to five days, they can also die. In hot conditions, they can only survive between a month and a year. Most fleas can only survive two months without food. However, there is a difference between fleas and ticks.

Even if you have the cleanest home, you may still have to deal with fleas infesting your home. When fleas enter your home, you may first notice them when your pet starts scratching and itching due to these uncomfortable flea bites. They will nibble on their host’s blood. Here we discuss how to get rid of these fleas in your home.

Where do your fleas come from?

So how do you get fleas and how do fleas travel? The most common way for fleas to enter your home is when a cat or dog attracts fleas and brings them into your home. But fleas can also get in in other ways. You can get away with an old piece of furniture or the clothing and skin of an already infected person. Can people bring fleas into the house? Fleas don’t usually use humans as hosts, but they can travel through us. But fleas don’t necessarily need hosts to enter our homes. They are so microscopic that they can enter a home through cracks in the floor and window bars. To prevent a flea infestation, it’s best to vacuum and clean your home frequently. Also, it is best to change your pet’s bedding and bathe them frequently.

How long do fleas live in your home?

The challenge is that fleas can lay eggs on their pets’ bedding and fur. Then those eggs fall to the ground and the furniture spreads like wildfire. It doesn’t take a lot of fleas before it becomes a serious infestation problem. In just a few months, fleas can lay around 500 eggs. Between one and twelve days, many of these young animals are hidden. They are tiny larvae that nest in tiny cracks in the floor, carpets and furniture. Flea larvae only take about one to two weeks to reach maturity, but it can take up to six months to reach this larval stage in humid and hot weather conditions. From there, these larvae are kept in insecticide-resistant cocoons for about five weeks. But it’s also possible that larvae remain stuck in their cocoons for a long time before sensing that a potential host is approaching. Typically, a flea infestation can also occur when a home has not been occupied for a long time and the owners finally return home. Or when new owners take over a house that has not been used for a long time.

Fleas usually thirst for blood as they feed, and the females need to be fed in order to lay eggs. Fleas may not last as long under heat. If they don’t have blood in two to five days, they can also die. In intense heat, they can only survive between a month and a year. Most fleas can only survive two months without food. However, you may notice fleas even after the treatment is finished. That doesn’t mean the treatment didn’t work. The remaining fleas may be from newly hatched fleas that were in a cocoon when first treated. You can continue the treatment and also wash and vacuum these areas to get rid of them. But if you see it not improving in a month, you should call a professional.

What to do if you have fleas in your home

What to do if you have fleas in your home

Luckily, dealing with flea infestations isn’t as difficult as fighting bed bugs. The first thing you can do is give your blankets and bedding a thorough wash where your flea hosts might be. You also need to vacuum your carpet often and place desiccants and insecticides all over it. This will get them into the areas where you applied them and protect your home from pests.

If you use a bug bomb or insecticide spray, be sure to treat any potential hotspots for the fleas to hang out. However, don’t just drop it everywhere. Select the spots that are the likely culprits. Be sure to keep your pets and other people away from this sprayed area or room until it dries. It may take a few hours to dry. The substance can dry faster if you leave the windows open, causing the shavings to dissipate much faster. Fleas don’t survive heat well either, so this is a huge benefit. So make sure you spot these pests in the summer. Besides commercial insecticides, there are other methods to get rid of fleas. You can use homemade flea killer or store-bought boric acid-based products, flea pads, homemade rosemary spray, and cedar oil. You can also dehydrate fleas by sprinkling some salt, baking soda, or diatomaceous earth over an infested area to complement your existing treatment.

However, you may still notice fleas after the treatment is complete. That doesn’t mean the treatment didn’t work. The remaining fleas may be from newly hatched fleas that were in a cocoon when first treated. You can continue the treatment and also wash and vacuum these areas to get rid of them. But if you see it not improving in a month, you should call a professional.

Never spend time with itchy, annoying fleas, summer or winter. Contact your top local pest control expert to prevent and get rid of fleas. This keeps your pets, household and home free from flea infestations. In the end, fleas are much easier to deal with than a termite infestation.

Accuracy verified on May 31, 2019 by Dr. Katie Grzyb, DVM

You’ve seen the ads using Dawn dish soap to clean wild birds affected by oil spills. If Dawn is effective and gentle enough on wildlife, you might be wondering if it can also kill those pesky fleas on your cat or dog.

While Dawn dish soap can kill fleas, it’s not the most effective or efficient method, and it won’t prevent flea infestations.

That’s why Dawn dish soap might not be the miracle flea cure you were hoping for for your four-legged family member.

How does Dawn dish soap kill fleas?

Dawn’s ability to remove grease, dirt and oil from wild birds can be attributed to a chemical reaction.

When soapy water is combined with oil or grease, it forms micelles (clusters of soap molecules) that trap dirt, explains Dr. Chris Reeder, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist at BluePearl Pet Hospital in Franklin, Tennessee.

Killing fleas involves a completely different process.

Fleas have exoskeletons that allow them to swim in water, explains Dr. shipowner. “Dawn (and similar soaps) creates a kind of surfactant or surface tension that affects the exoskeleton and causes adult fleas to sink,” he says. Essentially, the soap drowns the fleas.

Why can’t Dawn dish soap fight flea infestations?

Although Dawn kills fleas, vets say it doesn’t repel them or prevent an infestation. Think of it as a temporary fix rather than a permanent fix.

“Because only a small percentage of fleas are on a pet at any given time, fleas in the environment simply jump back up and restart the infestation cycle,” says Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM, veterinary writer, editor and consultant based in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Plus, flea populations can quickly spiral out of control, says Dr. shipowner. “An adult flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day. Even if 10 percent hatch, that would be five fleas from one female, and the majority [of the hatching fleas] will be female,” he says.

Dawn was not designed to be a flea repellent, let alone one that can control that many fleas over a long period of time.

Dawn kills adult fleas, but what about the offspring?

While Dawn dish soap is primarily used to kill adult fleas, according to Dr. Shipowners three other life stages of fleas are considered.

“Adult female fleas lay eggs that are released into the environment. Over a period of days, they hatch and a larval form (like a centipede) emerges, persists for a few days, and then forms a pupa (or cocoon),” says Dr. shipowner.

The problem with killing only adult fleas that you can see is that you don’t eradicate all of those other stages. “Anytime your dog or cat is outside and you [bathe] them with the soap product, you’re not doing anything to really reduce the local flea population,” explains Dr. shipowner.

Can Dawn dish soap irritate a pet’s skin?

Also, veterinarians generally do not recommend using Dawn against fleas for skin problems.

“For example, if the pet is already irritated because they have a bunch of fleas on their skin and you apply Dawn to skin that’s already irritated, there’s a chance it will get worse,” says Dr. shipowner.

Dawn isn’t the best shampoo product for dogs with bacterial skin infections, and it’s not labeled for dogs or cats, he says.

Instead, you should opt for a product that’s specifically designed for pets, says Dr. shipowner.

Should you ever use Dawn pet dish soap?

“We will use Dawn on the rare occasion that we have a severely flea infested kitten or puppy that needs immediate flea removal. These pets are generally too young to use flea repellents as recommended by the manufacturer,” says Dr. Susan Jeffrey, veterinarian at Truesdell Animal Care Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin

If you’re using it on young kittens or puppies, she recommends using a very small amount and diluting it with water. “After that, I would use a flea comb to remove any remaining dead and dying fleas,” she says.

dr Reeder says pet parents may want to use Dawn if they see large numbers of fleas on their adult pet. “You could certainly use this product to remove the fleas directly from the skin and hair coat, and that’s about the only way I would use it,” he says.

Again, this would only happen on rare occasions where your pet may have been exposed to fleas from other pets in places like boarding houses or daycares. You should always prevent your pet from fleas and ticks all year round so that they don’t get infested in the first place.

You can always be prepared for this scenario in the future by stocking up on over-the-counter Capstar, which can quickly kill any adult fleas on your pet. But just like Dawn, Capstar only works for 24 hours on adult fleas in the event of an infestation.

Prescription oral and topical preventatives kill fleas and prevent infestations much more effectively and efficiently.

“Your veterinarian can recommend a safe and effective flea control product based on the specifics of your pet’s health and lifestyle,” says Dr. Coates.

By: Paula Fitzsimmons

Featured Image: iStock.com/Kanoke_46

It’s heartbreaking to see your pets itching and scratching all day when infested with fleas. It’s even worse when these fleas start moving into the rest of the house. Not only can they attack other pets, but they can also cling to the human household members. To avoid that skin-crawling mess or get an ongoing outbreak under control, consider one of these top-notch flea traps.

The best flea traps are non-toxic, easy to use, and effective at getting rid of those nasty little pests. However, not all flea traps are created equal, and it is best to educate yourself on the pros and cons of flea traps before making a purchase. Below are some of the key considerations to keep in mind when purchasing a flea trap, along with tips on buying the best flea trap for your needs.

What to look for when buying the best flea trap

Between the itchy dog ​​or cat and the constant worry of a full blown flea infestation, homeowners probably have a lot on their mind when purchasing flea traps. To keep it simple, here are a few features to consider when looking for the best home flea trap.

Type

Flea traps come in two basic forms: sticky traps and light traps.

Sticky traps use color and scent to attract fleas to the trap. The fleas then step on an adhesive-coated pad or strip and get stuck.

Use color and scent to attract fleas to the trap. The fleas then step on an adhesive-coated pad or strip and get stuck. Light traps use light to attract fleas to the area and either catch them in the trap on an adhesive strip or use electricity to kill them.

Both methods have their merits and it is really up to the user which model they prefer. Remember that electrocution by fleas can potentially harm small pets or young children. This could mean that glue traps are better for a household where the glue only sticks to a finger or paw and can be removed painlessly.

security

Some sticky traps use poison to ensure the fleas are dead when they fall victim to the sticky strip. With no pets or small children at home, these traps are excellent and will effectively rid a home of fleas. However, if pets and small children live in or visit the house, such traps can be dangerous.

When it comes to non-toxic options, there is plenty to choose from. These flea traps will indicate on the packaging that they are non-toxic or non-toxic.

Easy to use

When it comes to a flea invasion, no one wants to struggle with a complicated flea trap. When you’re looking for the best flea trap, you’re looking for easy-to-use and easy-to-setup options. Many come out of the box ready to use; You just have to find a place for them. However, others might come with some assembly. To be prepared, read the product specifications and determine how much assembly is required.

Tips for buying and using the best flea trap

When shopping for a flea trap, it can be tempting to buy a trap that fits all insects. However, fleas work very differently than many other bugs. For example, unlike ants or termites, fleas seek out warm-blooded animals to live on. This means they are attracted and repelled by different things than most other insects. While some household pests — like fruit flies, mosquitoes, and moths — are attracted to UV light, fleas are not. This means that electronic traps that use UV light to attract insects are not useful. If you are dealing with a flea infestation, purchase a solution made specifically for use on fleas.

Setting a flea trap isn’t quite as easy as just dropping it somewhere and leaving it alone. Flea traps need to be monitored and maintained, and there are certain areas of the home that are better suited for catching fleas. To get the most out of a flea trap, follow these guidelines:

In households with pets, place traps near pet beds or anywhere pets spend a lot of time.

When using sticky traps, replacing the tape regularly will help you keep track of how many fleas are being caught and keep the trap performing at its best.

Thorough and frequent vacuuming will help keep the flea population down until the fleas are gone.

Throw away pet litter or toys that may be infested with fleas.

Our top picks

Flea traps are something most people don’t want to think about until they are needed. Below are some of the best flea traps to eradicate those nasty bugs from the home. With the tips and considerations above, you are all set to find the best flea trap for your needs.

Total 1 Victor Safer Brand M230A Ultimate Flea Trap Photo: amazon.com Check Latest Price The Victor Ultimate Flea Trap is a non-toxic trap that helps fight flea infestations by attracting fleas with a warm light. Once the fleas crawl or jump into the trap, the SuperGrabber adhesive on the trap pad will hold the fleas in place. The white color of the pad makes it easy to see how many fleas have been caught. Because these traps are non-toxic, they are safe to use in homes with pets or small children. To set the trap, users must place an adhesive pad inside the base, then snap the top onto the base. Then the light is attached to the top and pierces through the trap top to create a dome of warm and bright light that attracts fleas. It is recommended to replace the trap pad every two to four weeks.

Best Bang For the Buck 2 ZZC Flea Trap with 2 Sticky Disks Easy Installation Photo: amazon.com Check Latest Price Easily trap unwanted bugs without worrying about releasing potentially harmful chemicals into your home. The flea trap uses light, heating and the powerful sticky traps to monitor and control flea infestations. The light trap attracts fleas and other insects from furniture and carpets. With no poison or strong odors, this affordable flea and bed bug trap is both kid and pet friendly. The trap plugs into standard household sockets, meaning it can be easily moved from room to room as needed. The adhesive paper should be replaced about every three weeks or when it is 70 percent covered.

Best Non-Toxic 3 ASPECTEK – Trapest Sticky Dome Flea Bed Bug Trap Photo: amazon.com Check Current Price Using natural products and odorless adhesive, this effective flea trap from Aspectek can attract fleas from up to 50 feet away. With warmth, light and color, the trap welcomes the fleas into its domed shape. With a 360 degree door in the trap, the fleas can just hop in and stick to the sticky pad. Assembly is pretty easy. First place the adhesive pad on the bottom of the trap, then attach the top component and light and plug in the trap. Place them near dog beds or around pets that spend a lot of time for best results. Luckily, its curved shape deters even the clumsiest of pets from stepping on it. And since it’s non-toxic, you don’t have to worry about pets or children getting trapped.

Best Plug In Treatment 4 Ultrasonic Pest Repellents 2021 (2 Pack) Photo: amazon.com Check Latest Price If sticky traps aren’t enough, consider this Ever Pest Ultrasonic Pest Repellent. This plugin uses powerful pulses of sonic electricity that repels many types of pests including flies, spiders, mice, ants, fleas and many other insects. Although the device emits a sound, it is imperceptible to pets and humans. Because no glues or chemicals are used, this repellent is safe for a home with pets and children. These repellents don’t work through walls, however, so you’ll need to buy one for each room in the house to keep fleas away. This device is easy to use; just plug it in and you’re good to go.

Frequently asked questions about your new flea trap

While it’s not the ideal way to spend an evening learning about fleas and how to catch them, it’s important to know what to do when this unfortunate event strikes your home. Along with purchasing flea traps come many questions. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about flea traps.

Q. What makes a good flea trap?

The best flea traps are non-toxic, easy to use, and will catch and kill fleas to effectively eliminate infestations.

Q. What attracts fleas?

Fleas want to find a warm-blooded animal to live in. That means things like warmth and scents attract them. Many flea traps attract fleas with warm light and lure them onto sticky adhesive strips.

Q. What is the best flea repellent?

The best way to prevent fleas from even getting into your home is with a topical or ingestible flea treatment given to your pet.

Are fleas attracted to white?

summary

Fleas are not attracted to white. White is the least attractive color to cat fleas. Fleas are dark brown. Therefore, they stand out best on light-colored materials such as white fur or white socks. As a result, a myth arose that fleas are attracted to this color. Regardless, fleas still parasitize white cats and dogs. Host color is not a primary attraction.

details

attraction to white

Experiment #1

Researchers observed how cat fleas responded to different colored targets (Fig. 1). The fewest fleas (36.9%) were attracted to white targets. Their response to red, blue, black, and yellow was 79%, 79%, 71.5%, and 60.5%, respectively.

Fig. 1 Percentage of fleas responding (y-axis) to targets of different colors (x-axis).

Experiment #2

The flea’s attraction to black and white targets was re-examined. This time a black or white background was placed behind the target. The fewest fleas were attracted to the white target on a white background, Figure 2. The white target on a black background elicited a slightly better but still weak response. The black target attracted significantly more fleas, especially against a white background.

Fig. 2 Percentage of fleas responding (y-axis) to black or white targets against a black or white background (x-axis).

Experiment #3

A white target was used in this experiment. A red tape of varying thickness was placed on the target. Cat fleas responded least to the solid white target, Figure 3. A solid red target attracted the most fleas. The larger the red area, the more fleas were attracted to the target.

Fig. 3 Percentage of fleas responding to a white target (y-axis) bisected by a red band of varying thickness (x-axis).

The white sock technique

The white sock method is a simple way to assess and monitor flea populations in homes. It is a person wearing knee-high white socks and walking around on carpets. Young fleas, mistaking this individual for a nearby host, jump onto the socks. Fleas on the socks can then be counted to estimate populations.

Jeff Covey Img 1 Cat Fleas on Socks. The white background helps make the fleas visible.

So why white socks? This technique was most likely developed by people who casually observed fleas on their socks. The white fabric makes the dark fleas more visible and easier to count. However, if previous experiments are true, black socks would attract more fleas than white socks.

Why flea traps are white

Fleas possess simple eyes that can only detect changes in light intensity. Light is an important attraction for fleas. Flea traps take advantage of this stimulus by illuminating an area. Therefore, they are most effective at night. Flea traps are white because white surfaces reflect light best.

references

What attracts fleas?

summary

When looking for a host, cat fleas are primarily attracted to visual and thermal stimuli (light and heat). Other cues, such as carbon dioxide and air movement, help reinforce recognition of a suitable host.

Attraction Factors:

Light movement Air currents Host odor Gravity Heat Physical contact Carbon dioxide Time of day Flea breeder Flea sex Host color Host size

details

Upon emerging from their cocoon, adult fleas immediately seek a blood meal. They must feed within a week to prevent starvation. Cat fleas find hosts primarily through visual and thermal cues. However, a combination of multiple stimuli enhances host recognition accuracy and elicits the best step response.

light (photo taxis)

Adult cat fleas are attracted to light sources. In a dark area, 93% of fleas will move to a lighted area within 40 minutes. In natural settings, newly hatched adults climb objects in the larval habitat. They then orient themselves to a lighted area while waiting for a host.

color of light

Cat fleas can perceive wavelengths between 300 and 600 nanometers (nm). They are most attracted to wavelengths between 500 and 530 nm, which is a green-yellow light, Fig. 1. Green-yellow light attracts more than twice as many fleas as standard light. Equipping lighted flea traps with a green-yellow filter greatly improves their performance.

Fig. 1 Percentage response of cat fleas (y-axis) to light at different wavelengths in nanometers (x-axis) compared to 345 nm light.

Other colors of light are not nearly as attractive. Blue and green filters produce results similar to standard light. Filters of almost every other color – red, magenta, yellow, mid-blue – do not produce a better response than standard light. Cat fleas cannot see wavelengths longer than 630 nm. Therefore, they react least to red light.

intermittent light

The attraction to light is greatly enhanced when the light source is interrupted quickly and briefly (10 minutes on, 5 seconds off). This break mimics a shadow cast by a potential host as they walk by. Fleas jump in the direction of the perceived shadow.

Flea traps with intermittent light consistently attract and capture significantly more fleas than those with a constant light source. A study found that intermittent light is 5-8 times more effective than continuous light. In another experiment, intermittent light traps caught 82% of the fleas released, while standard light traps caught just over 10%.

movement

Fleas are not attracted to inanimate objects. In one experiment, a moving black target attracted 79.4% of the fleas, but only 16.6% were attracted when stationary. Another experiment found that warm, stationary targets only encouraged fleas to jump when additional stimuli, such as air currents, were present.

Air Currents (Anemotaxis)

Air movement alone does not trigger an attraction reaction. A fan that produces air currents at 2.6 km/h has no discernible effect on cat fleas. However, when air currents are combined with other stimuli, the attraction response is enhanced. Although there is no relation to attraction, short puffs of air make fleas jump.

Host Scent (Odortaxis)

It has been hypothesized that fleas are most attracted to the scent of their primary host. Some species appear to respond to the host odor. However, there is no evidence that cat fleas are attracted to cat smell.

Gravity (Geotaxis)

Adult cat fleas are negative geotactic (or gravitactic), meaning they move away from gravity. Newly emerged adults climb small nearby objects. There they wait for an animal to come by. In homes, adult fleas move to the tips of carpet fibers. Outdoors, they climb to the top of ground vegetation.

heat (thermo-taxis)

activity

Cat flea activity increases dramatically in response to heat (positive thermotactic). Fleas will jump wildly in random directions when a warm object is placed directly in their vicinity.

attraction

Fleas are attracted to heat because it indicates a potential host’s body heat. They are most attracted to targets with temperatures of 40 °C (104 °F), Fig. 2. However, attraction is still high at 50 °C (122 °F), showing that fleas do not discriminate between hosts. This refutes the notion that fleas are attracted to the specific body temperature of their preferred host.

Fig. 2 Percentage of cat fleas (y-axis) jumping onto a heated target at different temperatures (x-axis) versus a 27°C (80.6°F) target.

Heat alone is not enough to attract fleas. They orient themselves to a heated object and even wiggle back and forth to improve depth perception. However, they only jump when other stimuli such as air movement are present. Flea traps that use heat as the sole attraction will not work. Likewise, adding heat to a lighted flea trap does not improve results. Overall, thermal cues play a minor role in host finding.

task of the host

Fleas will not leave their host unless it dies and goes cold. The fleas then jump to the nearest warm animal. In a natural environment, this can occur when dogs or cats attack and kill smaller prey.

cocoon emergence

Heat, along with pressure, causes adults to emerge from their cocoons. These two clues suggest that an animal is probably resting on the cocoon. Warm human breath is enough to stimulate emergence. Without heat or pressure, webbed fleas can remain dormant (dormant) for up to five months.

Physical contact (thigmotaxis)

As just mentioned, physical pressure is a key trigger in causing pre-pantiferous adults to emerge from their cocoons.

carbon dioxide

activity

Cat fleas respond to an increase in carbon dioxide. When CO2 is introduced into a jar, fleas jump around frantically. Carbon dioxide from human breath elicits a stronger response than gas from dry ice, indicating that heat and humidity enhance the attractive response. Another study also observed an increase in jumping and activity when exposed to short bursts of CO2. One study found that CO2 increased flea activity only when visual stimuli were absent.

attraction

In a related species, the dog flea (C. canis), CO2 has been thought to be an attraction. This is believed to be the first cue that brings the fleas near the host.

time

Fleas are most active a few hours before sunset. Their activity stays high throughout the night, according to studies using lighted flea traps. Finding flea hosts appears to be synchronized with pet rest periods.

flea time

Older fleas are more responsive to attraction than younger adults. Fleas that are 5-6 days old respond best Fig. 3. Likewise, 1-3 day old fleas respond better to lighted flea traps than those less than a day old. Young fleas are less responsive because, after leaving their cocoons, there is likely to be a brief period of final maturation before host finding is initiated.

Fig. 3 Percentage of female cat fleas (y-axis) at various ages in days (x-axis) that respond to a particular attraction.

flea sex

There are no known differences between the responsiveness of male and female cat fleas.

host color

One study tested the attraction of cat fleas to the colors red, blue, black, yellow, and white. Red and blue were the most attractive, with white being the least attractive. Fig. 4. White has consistently proven to be the least attractive color for cat fleas. In one experiment, 78% more fleas preferred red over white. Their reaction to the white target increased as the surface increased in red.

Fig. 4 Response percentage (y-axis) of fleas presented with different colored targets (x-axis).

host size

Cat fleas are not attracted to small targets. In a natural environment, small targets, such as rodents, would likely be unsuitable hosts. One experiment used targets with diameters of 8, 13, and 20 centimeters, and the responsiveness of the fleas was 21.2%, 42.5%, and 43.6%, respectively.

references

Does Bug Zapper Kill Fleas?

Fleas are a big itchy problem in every household. Flea infestations are dominant in households with pets. You can find fleas not only on your pets, but also on carpets, food, people, and in every yard of your home.

A flea will bite the host’s skin and may cause itching. Adult fleas feed on the host’s blood and display their bite like that of a mosquito. Because of these flea problems, households are looking for different methods to ward off a flea infestation.

The insect killer is the best solution to kill fleas.

A bug killer consists of a cage-like structure that you can place near infested areas. Zapper contains a UV light that lures fleas into a trap. If they approach and touch the Zapper’s wires, they will be electrocuted.

How Do Bug Killers Kill Fleas?

Fleas are undoubtedly present in every nook and cranny of a home. Therefore, a strict method to kill them is the order of the day.

The Insect Killer serves as a booby trap to kill fleas. The fluorescent tube is the main component of a zapper. It has a UV light that attracts fleas to the trap. This flea trap has two electrical wires in the middle with a certain voltage between them.

When a bug flies near the insect killer, it is sure that the UV light will attract it. When attracted to bright light, these insects sit on the wires. As soon as they come within range of these electrical wires, the current flows through their small bodies. The zapper kills fleas by electric shock within a few seconds after the first contact.

It’s heartbreaking to see your pets itching and scratching all day when infested with fleas. It’s even worse when these fleas start moving into the rest of the house. Not only can they attack other pets, but they can also cling to the human household members. To avoid that skin-crawling mess or get an ongoing outbreak under control, consider one of these top-notch flea traps.

The best flea traps are non-toxic, easy to use, and effective at getting rid of those nasty little pests. However, not all flea traps are created equal, and it is best to educate yourself on the pros and cons of flea traps before making a purchase. Below are some of the key considerations to keep in mind when purchasing a flea trap, along with tips on buying the best flea trap for your needs.

What to look for when buying the best flea trap

Between the itchy dog ​​or cat and the constant worry of a full blown flea infestation, homeowners probably have a lot on their mind when purchasing flea traps. To keep it simple, here are a few features to consider when looking for the best home flea trap.

Type

Flea traps come in two basic forms: sticky traps and light traps.

Sticky traps use color and scent to attract fleas to the trap. The fleas then step on an adhesive-coated pad or strip and get stuck.

Use color and scent to attract fleas to the trap. The fleas then step on an adhesive-coated pad or strip and get stuck. Light traps use light to attract fleas to the area and either catch them in the trap on an adhesive strip or use electricity to kill them.

Both methods have their merits and it is really up to the user which model they prefer. Remember that electrocution by fleas can potentially harm small pets or young children. This could mean that glue traps are better for a household where the glue only sticks to a finger or paw and can be removed painlessly.

security

Some sticky traps use poison to ensure the fleas are dead when they fall victim to the sticky strip. With no pets or small children at home, these traps are excellent and will effectively rid a home of fleas. However, if pets and small children live in or visit the house, such traps can be dangerous.

When it comes to non-toxic options, there is plenty to choose from. These flea traps will indicate on the packaging that they are non-toxic or non-toxic.

Easy to use

When it comes to a flea invasion, no one wants to struggle with a complicated flea trap. When you’re looking for the best flea trap, you’re looking for easy-to-use and easy-to-setup options. Many come out of the box ready to use; You just have to find a place for them. However, others might come with some assembly. To be prepared, read the product specifications and determine how much assembly is required.

Tips for buying and using the best flea trap

When shopping for a flea trap, it can be tempting to buy a trap that fits all insects. However, fleas work very differently than many other bugs. For example, unlike ants or termites, fleas seek out warm-blooded animals to live on. This means they are attracted and repelled by different things than most other insects. While some household pests — like fruit flies, mosquitoes, and moths — are attracted to UV light, fleas are not. This means that electronic traps that use UV light to attract insects are not useful. If you are dealing with a flea infestation, purchase a solution made specifically for use on fleas.

Setting a flea trap isn’t quite as easy as just dropping it somewhere and leaving it alone. Flea traps need to be monitored and maintained, and there are certain areas of the home that are better suited for catching fleas. To get the most out of a flea trap, follow these guidelines:

In households with pets, place traps near pet beds or anywhere pets spend a lot of time.

When using sticky traps, replacing the tape regularly will help you keep track of how many fleas are being caught and keep the trap performing at its best.

Thorough and frequent vacuuming will help keep the flea population down until the fleas are gone.

Throw away pet litter or toys that may be infested with fleas.

Our top picks

Flea traps are something most people don’t want to think about until they are needed. Below are some of the best flea traps to eradicate those nasty bugs from the home. With the tips and considerations above, you are all set to find the best flea trap for your needs.

Total 1 Victor Safer Brand M230A Ultimate Flea Trap Photo: amazon.com Check Latest Price The Victor Ultimate Flea Trap is a non-toxic trap that helps fight flea infestations by attracting fleas with a warm light. Once the fleas crawl or jump into the trap, the SuperGrabber adhesive on the trap pad will hold the fleas in place. The white color of the pad makes it easy to see how many fleas have been caught. Because these traps are non-toxic, they are safe to use in homes with pets or small children. To set the trap, users must place an adhesive pad inside the base, then snap the top onto the base. Then the light is attached to the top and pierces through the trap top to create a dome of warm and bright light that attracts fleas. It is recommended to replace the trap pad every two to four weeks.

Best Bang For the Buck 2 ZZC Flea Trap with 2 Sticky Disks Easy Installation Photo: amazon.com Check Latest Price Easily trap unwanted bugs without worrying about releasing potentially harmful chemicals into your home. The flea trap uses light, heating and the powerful sticky traps to monitor and control flea infestations. The light trap attracts fleas and other insects from furniture and carpets. With no poison or strong odors, this affordable flea and bed bug trap is both kid and pet friendly. The trap plugs into standard household sockets, meaning it can be easily moved from room to room as needed. The adhesive paper should be replaced about every three weeks or when it is 70 percent covered.

Best Non-Toxic 3 ASPECTEK – Trapest Sticky Dome Flea Bed Bug Trap Photo: amazon.com Check Current Price Using natural products and odorless adhesive, this effective flea trap from Aspectek can attract fleas from up to 50 feet away. With warmth, light and color, the trap welcomes the fleas into its domed shape. With a 360 degree door in the trap, the fleas can just hop in and stick to the sticky pad. Assembly is pretty easy. First place the adhesive pad on the bottom of the trap, then attach the top component and light and plug in the trap. Place them near dog beds or around pets that spend a lot of time for best results. Luckily, its curved shape deters even the clumsiest of pets from stepping on it. And since it’s non-toxic, you don’t have to worry about pets or children getting trapped.

Best Plug In Treatment 4 Ultrasonic Pest Repellents 2021 (2 Pack) Photo: amazon.com Check Latest Price If sticky traps aren’t enough, consider this Ever Pest Ultrasonic Pest Repellent. This plugin uses powerful pulses of sonic electricity that repels many types of pests including flies, spiders, mice, ants, fleas and many other insects. Although the device emits a sound, it is imperceptible to pets and humans. Because no glues or chemicals are used, this repellent is safe for a home with pets and children. These repellents don’t work through walls, however, so you’ll need to buy one for each room in the house to keep fleas away. This device is easy to use; just plug it in and you’re good to go.

Frequently asked questions about your new flea trap

While it’s not the ideal way to spend an evening learning about fleas and how to catch them, it’s important to know what to do when this unfortunate event strikes your home. Along with purchasing flea traps come many questions. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about flea traps.

Q. What makes a good flea trap?

The best flea traps are non-toxic, easy to use, and will catch and kill fleas to effectively eliminate infestations.

Q. What attracts fleas?

Fleas want to find a warm-blooded animal to live in. That means things like warmth and scents attract them. Many flea traps attract fleas with warm light and lure them onto sticky adhesive strips.

Q. What is the best flea repellent?

The best way to prevent fleas from even getting into your home is with a topical or ingestible flea treatment given to your pet.