How Does a Flea Infestation Start?
Other People Are Reading
-
Life Cycle of a Flea
-
There are four stages of life for a flea; egg, larva, pupa and adult. Only 5% of the flea's lifespan is spent as a biting adult, and this is when the female lays eggs. An adult female flea can lay up to 600 eggs in a lifetime. Eggs are usually laid on animals and fall off loose hair onto bedding and carpet in the home. In thirty days, ten adult female fleas can multiply into a quarter million different life stages.
How Fleas Travel
-
Fleas normally travel on animals, though home infestations can occur among non pet owners. Poor seals around doors and windows can provide entry to the pests. Walking through grass can allow them come inside on shoes and socks. Fleas cannot live long without a host to feed on; if no pets are present they usually don't last long.
-
Where Fleas Live and Breed
-
The best home for a flea is in a dark cool place on an animal. To check a pet for fleas brush the fur along the back from tail to head looking at the skin. If the actual fleas can't be seen scurrying, there may be tiny black or red specks that are usually referred to as flea dirt. Check the anal and inside rear legs of the pet, as these are often hiding spots.
Treating a Pet with a Flea Infestation
-
Pets should be treated as soon as fleas are noted on the animal. Call a veterinarian for small animal or exotic pet treatments and recommendations on treating housing areas. Start with a quality flea shampoo and follow all of the instructions for best result. Treat pets with a topical flea treatment if available. Follow all directions on topical flea treatment and only use on recommended animals.
Treating a Flea Infestation in a Home
-
A home can become flea-infested in a matter of days. To avoid a major problem, start treatments as soon as fleas are detected in the home or on pets. Remove all pets and pet bedding from the home for a day of cleaning. Have pets treated at a veterinarian or groomer on the day the home will be fumigated. Wash all pet bedding and any clothing that has been on the floor or in a known infested area. Set off flea bombs to kill fleas in carpets and hard to reach areas. Read all instructions and follow closely to prevent damages.
-
Resources
- Photo Credit Christine Cameron
