Pest of the Month- Fleas

Believe it or not, fleas are one of humanity's oldest enemies. They've been around far longer than Father Abraham himself, and have existed since the early Cretaceous era as ectoparasites that drained the blood from our early mammalian ancestors. These pesky little critters almost single-handedly wiped out a decent fraction of the world's population during the Plague of Justinian and the Black Death, two outbreaks of the dread Bubonic Plague that almost sent our species into extinction.

Fleas have outlived and outperformed the legendary sabertooth tiger when it comes to human casualties and injuries. They're not just a threat to us, but they're also a threat to our animal companions - cats and dogs have also faced the wrath of this insidious insect, which causes Bartonella infection, tapeworm infestations, Typhus, and even Mycoplasma Haemofelis, a bacterial disease that causes anemia in felines.

Small but terrible - don't let their size fool you!

Even without any pets, there are areas in Louisiana that are just crawling with these terrible little bugs. Just because you can't see them doesn't mean they aren't there. For homeowners who wish to keep those annoying fleas from taking up space in your residence, being aware of a possible flea infestation's signs can help prevent possible life-threatening illnesses - and save a decent amount of money!

The sooner you spot them, the better!

One of the most obvious signs of a flea infestation is random black spots covering your carpet, your wallpaper, and even your own wardrobe. Aside from this, the constant scratching of your pet dog or cat may be a symptom of fleas invading your living space. Often, you'll also see little dark specks falling from your pet's coat, which is a very, very bad sign - those things aren't lint, they're fecal matter dropped by the fleas, which consist of undigested blood!

Act now and keep those fleas away!

Our pest control specialists at Bayou Cajun Termite and Pest Control will help you keep your family and pets safe from the ravages of these foul creatures. Call or text our friendly representatives for any questions regarding these pests. We'd be happy to chat!