Pest Guide · Lake of the Ozarks
Fleas: how they live, why they invade & how to get rid of them
Fleas usually arrive on a pet or on wildlife under the deck, then take over the house - because for every flea you see, dozens of eggs and larvae are hidden in carpet and bedding. They're miserable for pets and people, and notoriously hard to clear with a single treatment.
How fleas live
Adult fleas feed on blood and lay eggs that fall off into carpet, pet beds, and floor cracks. Those eggs hatch into larvae that hide deep in fibers, then pupate in a protective cocoon that shrugs off many products - which is why fleas "come back" a week or two after a DIY treatment.
Why they come into your home
Pets bring them in, and wildlife (raccoons, opossums, feral cats, strays) nesting under decks and crawlspaces seed the yard. Warm, humid conditions speed up the cycle, and a lake home that hosts visiting pets is an easy target.
Signs of a fleas problem
- Pets scratching, or flea dirt (dark specks) in their coat
- Small itchy bites, often around ankles
- Fleas jumping on socks or light-colored carpet
- Wildlife nesting under decks or in the crawlspace
How to get rid of fleas
Beating fleas takes hitting the whole cycle at once: vet-recommended treatment on every pet, thorough vacuuming and washing of bedding, and a professional treatment that includes an insect growth regulator to stop eggs and larvae - with a follow-up timed to catch the protected pupae as they emerge.
How to keep them out
- Keep pets on year-round flea prevention from your vet
- Vacuum often and wash pet bedding hot
- Keep wildlife out from under decks and crawlspaces
- Mow and reduce shady, humid yard harborage
- Treat promptly at the first signs - don't wait
Dealing with fleas at the Lake? All American has treated them since 1971 - local, licensed, and using no-odor products that are safe around kids and pets. We'll identify what you have and put together a plan that actually solves it.
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