A flea infestation is no small problem. Fleas are blood-sucking parasites that give painful, itchy bites and spread disease. They are especially prevalent in the New York area from June through October, but they can persist indoors year-round if there is a host for them to feed upon.

Adult fleas are a dark, shiny brownish color, about 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch long, that are sort of flattened laterally, wingless, with hard bodies that make them very difficult to crush. Fleas have large rear legs that allow the flea to jump great distances for their tiny size. A flea can travel anywhere from a distance from seven to thirteen inches in one jump. Fleas lay about 20 eggs per day. When the larvae mature, they remain in a cocoon until they detect vibration or pressure. They hatch and then jump onto their new host.