Stan Ketchum, founder and owner of Ketchum Pest Control, which services the northwest corner of Indiana, first got into pest control when his son, Aaron, suffered from cancer a few years back. He fortunately survived after undergoing chemotherapy. While Aaron was ailing, Ketchum wanted to find a non-toxic method to get rid of the flea infestation on his family’s many dogs and cats. After conducting a ton of research, he found a way. After that, his friends and family began asking him for advice on how to get rid of their own infestations, and that’s how he started his company. One of the company’s distinguishing features is that it is environmentally safe and responsible, and uses pet- and child-friendly methods approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Here, Ketchum explains what you can do about fleas in your house or on your pets.
Fleas are a well-known nuisance, but did you know that besides being pesky, they can also spread disease and cause tapeworms? It’s true: Fleas can pose a significant health risk to your family and pets. In order to break the cycle and get rid of fleas once and for all, it’s not enough to simply treat your pets; you need to treat your home as well.
At Ketchum Pest Control, we offer comprehensive, customized home and yard extermination services to stop infestations at their source instead of only temporarily stemming the problem. First, our licensed exterminators will inspect your home and your home’s environment to identify the scope of the problem and determine the best course of action. With extensive experience in flea control, we have a thorough understanding of where fleas are most likely to nest, such as on carpets or your pet’s bedding, and the best way to get rid of them for good.
Next, we will tailor a treatment plan according to your family’s needs and the scale of the infestation. Fleas can survive in the larval state for up to eight months without food, and an adult female can lay 2,000 to 3,000 eggs a week. So after the extermination, we will recommend several steps you can take to prevent a future flea infestation.
Combating a flea infestation in your home takes patience, as for every flea found on an animal, many more are found in your home. For your part, here are some things you can do to stave off fleas in your home:
- Vacuum frequently. A laboratory study from the University of California showed that vacuuming catches about 96% of fleas. But make sure you dispose of the vacuum bag immediately afterward.
- Air conditioning also helps, as fleas like musky air.
- Using dehumidifiers can also help interrupt the flea life cycle. Remember that humidity is key to flea survival.
- If you keep the temperature in your house below 70 F (or 21 C), that also will help kill the fleas. Fleas thrive at high temperatures.
