Entomologists believe that the first appearance of fleas recorded in history was 35-50 million years ago. Since then, fleas have evolved, but their primary objective has remained the same: feeding off the blood of humans and animals. And while doing so, they inject saliva into the victim’s bloodstream.
The origins of cockroaches are similar to fleas’; both have lived on Earth for centuries, and their appearances have remained the same. A contributing factor that has helped roaches live for so long is their wings. When in trouble, cockroaches fold their wings over their bodies to withstand temperature.
Since getting rid of fleas and cockroaches can be challenging, don’t try to tackle the problem on your own. Instead, allow our technicians to take the lead, so you won’t have to get your hands dirty. We’ll handle everything on your behalf, allowing you to relax.
Fleas are incredibly tiny, so much so that you’ll miss them if you don’t know what you’re looking for. The insects are yellow, red, or dark brown and can grow up to only 2.5 mm long. Despite their size, fleas, especially females, can consume 13.6 microliters of blood in a day.
While fleas can be hard to spot, you don’t need a microscope to look for cockroaches. Their flat, reddish-brown, and oval-shaped bodies give them away. And although the majority of cockroach species develop wings after becoming adults, only a handful can fly; the rest prefer scavenging for food on the ground.
If either of the insects has made their way to your property, call AlienWerks Pest Management. Once you do, we’ll arrive at the location to perform a thorough inspection, after which we’ll identify the root problem and present solutions. This way, you’ll rid your property of the insects without breaking a sweat.
Spotting a cockroach in your residential or commercial property is relatively simple. As they follow food crumbs, you’ll notice one or two making an appearance in your kitchen or living room. However, for a flea infestation, you’ll need to be a little more observant and look for the following signs:
There isn’t a better way to discern a flea infestation than observing your pets; if they are scratching themselves excessively, they may have been bitten by the critters. Although it’s common for dogs or cats to scratch, the frequency is much higher if fleas have fed on their blood.
Pets lose hair for a variety of reasons. But if you’re unable to determine the cause, check for fleas. When the insects bite the same area repeatedly, it’ll make your pets scratch the spot to feel relieved. That, in turn, will result in the dog or cat losing its hair.
Apart from animals, fleas suck human blood, leaving red bruises on the area of your skin where they’ve bitten. The area will prompt you to itch it repeatedly, becoming quite irritating. The bite mark will be quite similar to a mosquito’s. However, since mosquitos are seasonal insects, a flea infestation makes more sense.
Also called flea dirt, flea droppings are black or reddish-brown small pecks left by the insects. Since it can be challenging to notice the pecks with your naked eyes, perform the ‘White Socks Test’; wear knee-high white socks and walk around your property. Afterward, closely inspect the socks for the droppings.
Cockroaches live and feed in the dark, so you’ll likely find them in narrow spaces, like under sinks or behind refrigerators. Fleas, on the other hand, are experts at staying out of sight. That’s why they choose to hide in:
Owing to the small size of fleas, it can be nearly impossible to find them. Because of this, we rely on advanced techniques to not only look for fleas but ensure their presence doesn’t cause trouble to you.
Fleas and cockroaches carry and spread diseases, which makes them dangerous. Although roaches don’t bite, fleas do, becoming a significant source of discomfort. Apart from this, the insects can transmit the following diseases:
Rats are the primary transmitters of marine typhus. However, it also spreads when humans or animals come into contact with infected fleas. The virus’s bacteria spreads through the bite mark of the fleas. The symptoms of marine typhus include headache, nausea, and fever, which will appear during the first 5-6 days.
Mycoplasma haemofelis – also called M. haemofelis – is another disease that fleas can transmit in humans and animals. It attaches to the victim’s blood cells, weakening their immune system. Cats are especially prone to mycoplasma haemofelis, and treating it can even require a blood transfusion. The disease’s treatment can take up to four to six weeks.
One of the primary causes of tapeworms is the accidental consumption of infected fleas. They are uncommon in adults and mostly attack children’s intestines, who might complain of nausea, diarrhea, or stomach pain. To treat tapeworms, doctors usually recommend a drug that dissolves them in the intestine.
Fleas and cockroaches are extremely resilient, which makes eliminating them a near-impossible task. Even if it seems like you’ve gotten rid of the insects, they’ll appear out of nowhere, making you feel worried and frustrated. However, there’s no need to be upset about the situation, as we’re here to deal with it.
We thoroughly understand that just the thought of living in the same space as fleas and cockroaches is enough to disgust you. That’s why we swiftly jump into action to prevent the spread of the insects. And to achieve that, we’ve developed a comprehensive process that leaves no room for errors.
In most cases, following the above-mentioned process gets the job done. But if it doesn’t, you can count on us to make things right; we’ll remain in touch with you after the treatment to ensure it produces a long-lasting impact.
Keeping fleas and cockroaches at bay is a task best left to professionals. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do anything about it. On the contrary, if you want the treatment to work effectively, keep the following tips in mind: