Residential
Flea Services

Flea Control FAQs

Choosing a pest control service for your home comes with many questions. When you're ready to learn more, call our office and talk with our friendly staff. We’ll ensure you get the answers you need on our services, pricing, appointments and any other questions you may have.

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  What do you use to eliminate fleas?

  Outstanding new commercial product technology allows us to quickly rid homes of fleas with long lasting results. Flea bombs and other do-it-yourself products are messy, toxic, and often completely ineffective in addressing the root of many residential flea control issues. Fleas are resilient survivors, and can be costly to eliminate without the proper knowledge and tools. Bug Zapper Pest Control offers a 100% guaranteed flea control treatment system that is fast and effective every time. We're so confident we actually guarantee you're going to be amazed at the results! Alongside our top-of-the-line control products, we take a multi-tiered approach to ridding your home of fleas. This will include a thorough inspection at your home or property to fully understand the type of infestation and the best treatment methods, identification of additional flea hosts in or around the home (such as rodents or feral animals), education about how to best address your pets’ flea issues with a veterinary professional, and coordinating of a prevention plan to keep fleas out for good.

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  What are fleas?

  Fleas are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. The common flea is reddish-brown, wingless, and about 2.5 mm long. Though they are flightless, fleas are capable of jumping long distances to move onto or between hosts. There are many types of flea, with some common species known as “cat fleas,” or “dog fleas,” but despite these names, most fleas are not entirely particular to what mammal they’ll use as a host -- meaning that you and your dog may both be afflicted by cat fleas.
  
  In addition to their bites being powerful skin irritants and causes of skin diseases (flea allergy dermatitis, for example), fleas are one of the most dangerous and prevalent vectors of disease and infection in the world. Internal parasites, typhus, plague, and cat scratch disease are only a few of the dangerous illnesses carried by fleas in the United States, making an infestation a significant health risk to pets and their families.

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  How did fleas get into my home?

  Fleas survive on blood meals. While fleas will readily bite humans, our lack of hair makes us unideal candidates for hosts. This means that in most cases a pet will be responsible for the outbreak of fleas in the home. The pests will attach to the animal outside and make a home in their fur, and then be transported inside to where the pet lies or sleeps.
  
  The first step to getting rid of fleas is determining the animal host(s). A host is essential for adult flea feeding, and the droppings from adult fleas help young fleas grow. Without elimination of the fleas on the host, the infestation will only perpetuate itself. Most veterinarians advise that successful flea eradication requires treatment of both pets and the environment. We agree. Since the host is often a beloved pet, treating pets with a high quality flea control product from your vet is the first essential step towards effective long term flea control. Make sure to speak to your veterinary professional about the best options for your hairy companion.

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  Why do I have fleas if I don’t have a pet?

  The most common cause of fleas in the home is because of an afflicted pet, but the presence of fleas can be additionally distressing if you aren’t a pet owner. Other possible hosts might include: a neighbor's pet in close proximity to your home, rodents, deer sleeping near your home, wild cats, opossums, skunks, raccoons, or other wildlife living under your house. Flea prevention might require wildlife control and home repairs to seal openings.
  
  Alternatively, what appear to be fleas might actually be carpet beetles or bed bugs. Don’t hesitate to give us a call if you need any assistance in identifying the pest infesting your home!

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  What are the signs of fleas?

  Fleas are most easily noticed due to pet behavior. Excessive scratching, hair loss, and general discomfort in a pet can all be signs of a flea infestation. Itchy bites or welts on your skin (or your pet’s skin) can also be a sign, but could be indicative of other issues. Flea feces, also known as “flea dirt,” which appears similar to ground black pepper, may be discovered in pet bedding, in kennels, or on floors and carpets. Flea eggs and larvae can be hidden under furniture or in difficult-to-reach places, but adult fleas are often easy to spot, and can even be seen jumping on occasions where they’re hungry enough.

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  What types of training do your technicians go through?

  At Bug Zapper, we are committed to providing you with the most knowledgeable, experienced, and professional pest control technicians in the Pacific Northwest. Our technicians are all fully licensed and certified in Oregon, in addition to undergoing advanced training though our intensive internal apprenticeship training program. All technicians complete state testing for laws and safety, including IIHS General, IIHS Structural, and Agricultural Vertebrate tests before going through a month-long apprenticeship field training program. Our staff also completes ongoing advanced training and attends industry-based seminars to ensure our knowledge and methods are up-to-date. We are fortunate to have an Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) on our staff -- one of only 12 currently operating in the entire state of Oregon.

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  Do you have same day service?

  Bug Zapper is known for our fast response times and convenient service appointments, in addition to our all-around excellent customer care. As such, we are happy to provide same day services whenever possible. A bug service professional can be at your home in most cases within 24-48 hrs. Call our office and we will gladly work with you to determine how we can best accommodate your schedule and time!