Referral line for Midland, Texas

Flea control in Midland, Texas

Fleas on the dog and bites on your ankles usually mean they're in the house too. A call connects you with an independent company that treats homes and yards.

(432) 216-7250

Calls answered: Early morning to late evening

Quick facts: Fleas
Looks like	About 1/8 inch, wingless, brown to black, strong jumpers.
Usually found	Carpet, pet bedding, furniture and along walls. Outside: shade under decks and shrubs.
Season	Follows your pets. Warm, shaded, sheltered spots hold them longest.
Call when	Treating the pet hasn't stopped it, or you're being bitten indoors.

How to recognize fleas

A brown dog sits on a clean pet bed on a shaded porch while a person's hand holds a fine-tooth comb

AgriLife's flea factsheet describes adults as about 1/8 inch, wingless and brown to black, with strong jumping legs. They feed on dogs and other furred animals, and they will bite people, especially when numbers are high. They don't live or breed on people.

Eggs drop off the pet into carpet, bedding and furniture. The larvae live there, feeding on dried blood flakes, which is why treating only the animal often isn't enough. If you've found ticks as well, mention that on the call.

Why they show up here

Sun and dry ground work in your favor. AgriLife says well-kept, sunny yards are unlikely to hold many fleas. The trouble spots are shaded and sheltered: under decks and shrubs, crawl spaces and wherever the pets lie outside. On a dry lot, that bit of shade by the back step is where the dog spends the afternoon, and that's where to look.

What a visit usually involves

This describes common practice. The company you speak with decides the details.

Expect questions about your pets first, as they are the main source of the problem. Treatment usually covers carpets, along walls, under furniture and shaded outdoor spots. Pupae are well protected from sprays, so AgriLife's plan calls for follow-up about 5 to 10 days after the first application.

Have the pets treated at the same time, with your vet's advice. Ask the company how to prepare and how long people and animals should stay out.

Keeping them out

Vacuum often, especially pet areas and under furniture, and empty the vacuum outdoors.
Wash pet bedding regularly.
Keep up flea control on pets, with your vet's advice.
Limit the pets' time in damp, shaded corners of the yard.

When to call

Call if bites continue after the pets have been treated, or if you moved into a home and fleas appeared right away.

Common questions

Why are there fleas when I have no pets?

Previous residents' pets or animals under the house can leave them behind. Pupae can wait for some time before they emerge. A company can look for the source.

Do I need to treat the yard?

Often only the shaded spots. AgriLife says to treat only where larvae are likely to live.

Got pests in the house right now?

Call and say what you've seen and your ZIP code. You'll be connected with an independent pest control company. Allow a few minutes for the conversation.