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Fleas are small, wingless, about 1/12- to 1/6-inch long and are covered in
spines with piercing mouthparts. A flea is a parasite that attaches to a
host and the larvae feed on organic debris, particularly the feces of adult
fleas, which contain undigested blood. Eggs are not attached to the host
and will hatch within seven to 14 days on the ground, in nests, carpet, bedding,
upholstery or cracks in the floor. Powerful legs enable fleas to jump seven
to eight inches vertically, and 14 to 16 inches horizontally. Keeping your home safe requires quick pest control. Flea infestations expose humans and animals to parasites and disease organisms.
Bed bugs are flat, reddish-brown, oval insects about 3/16 inch long or the
size of an apple seed. Bed bugs are typically found in cracks and crevices,
including mattress seams, sheets, furniture, behind baseboards, electrical
outlet plates and picture frames. Bed bugs are also typically found in hotels,
where they can travel from room to room and in visitors’ luggage. They
feed on blood and females can deposit one to five eggs a day, and may lay
200 to 500 eggs in a lifetime.
Adult crickets are about 3/4-inch long with three dark bands on the head and
thin antennae. A cricket’s body is yellowish-brown. Active at night,
crickets are attracted to lights and eat almost anything available. Closely
related to cockroach reproduction. House crickets can damage silk, woolens,
paper, fruits and vegetables.
Ticks vary in color by species. Adult ticks are smaller than a sunflower seed
(1/8 to 5/8 inch long if engorged with blood), while nymphal (or immature)
ticks are less than 1/16 inch. Often found near wooded and highly vegetated
areas. Some species require moisture to survive. All females and males of
most species feed on blood of mammals, birds and reptiles. Ticks are not
only cause irritation and discomfort but they also are capable of transmitting
serious diseases to humans and other animals.
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