Flea Pest Control, Manhattan, Williamsburg & Greenpoint, Brooklyn

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Eagle Pest Control is a team of licensed exterminators providing flea pest control for Manhattan and Brooklyn. Our client base includes many residents and businesses in Williamsburg and Greenpoint. Contact us for professional and effective extermination services.

Fleas: Overview and Impact

“Flea” refers to small, wingless insects known for their bloodsucking habits. Adult fleas are external parasites, mainly feeding on the blood of mammals, occasionally birds. They are globally distributed.

Physical Characteristics:

Adult fleas are slightly over 0.3 cm long with flat bodies, short antennae, and specialized mouthparts for piercing and sucking. Their legs are adapted for jumping, enabling them to leap great distances relative to their size. Their eyes are either very small or non-existent.

Life Cycle:

  • Egg Laying: Fleas lay eggs in hidden, safe areas like under carpets, in fabric folds, or in waste heaps, where food sources are available. These eggs hatch into larvae within 6 to 12 days.
  • Larval Stage: Larvae feed on organic debris, then spin cocoons, entering a pupal phase before emerging as adults in weeks.

Common Flea Species:

  • Household Pests: Dog fleas (Ctenocephalides canis) and cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) are prevalent, affecting not only pets but also humans, poultry, and livestock. The human flea (Pulex irritans) is less common in the U.S. but widespread globally.
  • Health Concerns: Fleas serve as intermediate hosts for the cucumber tapeworm, transmitting it through their lifecycle. Rat fleas (Xenopsylla cheopis in the Tropics, Ceratophyllus fasciatus in Europe) are notorious for spreading bubonic plague. The sticktight flea (Echidnophaga gallinacea) is known for its persistent attachment to hosts, often linked to dog eczema.

Scientific Classification:

Fleas belong to the order Siphonaptera. Specific classifications include:

  • Dog fleas: Ctenocephalides canis
  • Cat fleas: Ctenocephalides felis
  • Human fleas: Pulex irritans
  • Rat fleas (Tropics): Xenopsylla cheopis
  • Rat fleas (Europe): Ceratophyllus fasciatus
  • Sticktight flea: Echidnophaga gallinacea

Flea Pest Control and Prevention

  • Methods: Flea control involves eliminating adult fleas and making environments inhospitable for larvae. This can include:
  • Host Treatment: Bathing pets or affected individuals with strong soaps and applying insecticides or petroleum-based solutions cautiously to avoid harm.
  • Environmental Control: Cleaning and treating areas where fleas breed to disrupt their life cycle.

Understanding the biology and behavior of fleas is key to managing infestations effectively, safeguarding both human health and animal welfare.

For scheduled service or immediate attention, call 347-853-6721.
Residential and commercial pest control.