Bug Zero Professional Flea Treatment Service

Biology

• Two fleas reproducing under ideal conditions can produce two trillion descendants in nine months.
• Fleas develop by complete metamorphosis, a four-stage life cycle of Egg, Larvae, Pupae, Adult.
• Females lay 4-8 eggs after each blood meal, laying some 400-500 during their lifetime.
• Eggs are deposited on or between hairs, or in the nest or bedding material.
• Eggs deposited on the animal either fall or are shaken off and are found in cracks and crevices where pets sleep or frequent.
• Eggs are oval, whitish, and about 1/64" long.
• Eggs usually hatch in 1-12 days.
• Once hatched larvae require relatively high humidity and 1-2 weeks up to several months to reach the pupal stage.
• Pupal stage typically lasts 4-14 days but can be up to a year under harsh conditions.
• Once in the Pupal stage pre-emerged adult fleas remain in a cocoon where they are protected form adverse conditions including pesticides.
• Pupating fleas do not emerge in an unoccupied home.
• Emergence is triggered by a potential host entering the room.
• CO2, body heat, footstep vibration, and footstep pressure are among the triggers.
• This is why many people discover fleas upon their return from vacation or other extended absences.

Control

Proper preparation is essential to complete flea elimination. Please follow these guidelines:

• Vacuum thoroughly before your Technician arrives and dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag in an outdoor receptacle.
• After the treatment please wait 24 hours before vacuuming again.
• The treatment includes all floor coverings and upholstered furniture. Please make these areas as accessible as possible.
• Wash pet bedding and throw rugs in the hottest water permitted by the fabric, and then put them back in their normal place so your Technician can treat them.
• No material will be applied to Human bedding. Therefore, we ask that you launder all bedding the same day your home is treated.
• For your safety, keep all pets and humans out of your home during treatment and until the application has dried completely. A minimum of four (4) hours is recommended.
• After the treatment, it is very normal to see newly emerged adult fleas for up to 3 weeks. Please vacuum every 3 to 4 days during this 3 week period.
• We do not treat pets. If you have pets, they need to be treated with an appropriate product, available through your veterinarian or Pet Warehouse.
• If your pet spends time outdoors, it may be helpful to treat your lawn for flea control too.

If you suspect bug activity at your home or business give us a call at 417-831-7378 or 573-803-7828 or complete the form to schedule your free pest inspection.