GailR asked 7 years ago
We recently had raccoons in our crawlspace and were able to encourage them to leave. We had an exterminator come in and fix all our vents so that nothing can get back in. While the exterminator was working under the house, they determined that we have fleas down there. With no animals down there, is there a need to treat the problem or will they die off on their own? Is there a chance of them jumping up and entering the house through any cracks? Not sure where we need to turn at this point
Thanks for any and all assistance!
Adam Retzer Staff answered 7 years ago
GailR,
I apologize I wasn’t able to get to your question sooner.
The fleas will die off on their own if there are no suitable hosts there. The longest they could survive is 5-6 months. After pupating, cocooned adults can enter into a quiescent (dormant-like) state for up to 5 months, but most don’t.
There is a chance that the fleas could enter the home some way, though I’d think it is a slim chance.
If you have pets, then it may be a good idea to take some proactive measures. Those infested raccoons likely wandered around your yard, dropping eggs in various places. If you have a dog, for example, it may wander into the yard and pick up fleas that developed from those dropped eggs.
Some pet owners keep their animals on flea control for the entire flea season or year for prevention. Applying an insect growth regulator (pyriproxyfen or methoprene) to your carpets can also be useful for prevention. IGRs remain active for 7 months and will prevent any potential eggs from developing.
Hope this helps!
Adam
