Flea Facts

 How do I know if my pet has fleas?  

Fleas are small, brown insects that are usually 2-3 mm in length.  Unless your pet is severely infested, you might not even notice that he/she has fleas.  Many cats are such fastidious groomers, that fleas can be difficult to find.  A telltale sign of fleas can be “flea dirt” on your pet.  Flea dirt is actually the flea’s feces and looks similar to pepper flakes on your pet’s skin.  When damp, flea dirt turns red, as it primarily contains ingested blood from your pet.  If you find just one adult flea, you can be sure there are at least 100 more fleas developing in your pet’s environment.

 The Flea Life Cycle    

Considering the adult flea only makes up 5 % of the flea population, understanding the entire flea life cycle is key to controlling a flea infestation.

Fleas are metamorphic, meaning that they change their form and structure as they grow from eggs into adults, much the same as butterflies do.  Their development includes four main life stages: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult fleas.  (Similar to the butterfly’s cycle: egg, caterpillar, cocoon, adult butterfly)  The entire length of the flea’s life cycle can vary from two weeks to 1 year, depending on environmental conditions.  At any given time, a flea population is typically made up of 50% eggs, 30% larvae, 15% pupae, and 5% adult fleas.  By the time you discover live fleas on your pet, they have already successfully infested your home!

 Optimum temperatures for fleas range from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity levels at 70% to 80%.  Fleas have little chance for survival once the temperature drops below freezing 32 degrees Fahrenheit for several consecutive days.  However, they are hardy little parasites and will seek out warm places or bodies to survive.  The adult female flea mates after taking her first blood meal and begins producing eggs in just 1 to 2 days.  Eggs are laid on the pet and roll off into the environment wherever your pet goes.  One flea can lay up to 50 eggs in one day and over 2,000 in her lifetime.  Flea eggs may be visible with the naked eye, but they are very small, about the size of a grain of salt. 

Within the following week, eggs will hatch into larvae that resemble tiny white worms about 2-5 mm long.  Larvae prefer to hide in dark places such as grass, soil, carpet, sand, and gravel.  Flea larvae feed on the adult flea’s feces and will typically molt twice within the next 3 weeks.  Since larvae thrive in warm, dark, and humid environments, our homes are the ideal breeding grounds for fleas.

 About 1 week later, the larvae molt a third time, developing into a pupa or cocoon.  Pupae are encased inside their own protective silk layer, making them invincible against insecticides.  This is the only stage of the flea life cycle that can not be broken, because pupae are virtually indestructible.  Fleas can survive for months and possibly up to 1 year in their cocoon state. 

 Adult fleas that have developed inside their protective cocoons will hatch when conditions become most favorable.  Fleas can detect warmth, movement, and carbon dioxide in exhaled breath, and these three factors stimulate them to emerge as new adults.  The life cycle starts all over again; under ideal conditions, the entire life cycle may only take 2 weeks, and in no time at all, fleas have infested your pet and home.

 How do I get rid of my pet’s fleas?  

Successful flea control involves a combination of the following:

• Eliminating fleas from your pet(s)

The simplest method for killing adult fleas fast is by applying a topical product such as Frontline Plus® or Advantage® directly to your pet. 

• Controlling fleas in the environment

Eliminating fleas in environment may be more difficult, but is necessary to end your flea infestation.  Vacuum your house every day and wash your pet’s bedding to physically remove flea eggs, larvae, and pupae.  Empty your vacuum bag/filter after each use and remove it from your home.  Vacuuming frequently not only removes flea offspring, the warmth and vibration of the vacuum may stimulate the flea life cycle to continue, so adult fleas emerge quicker, and consequently die faster. 

Use a flea spray or fogger containing an IGR (Insect Growth Regulator) to inhibit the hatching of flea eggs and prevent larval development.  Please read all warning labels before use and be cautious around other pets, especially birds and fish, small children, and food items.  Many products require you to vacate the area during use and for several hours afterwards. 

In severe flea infestations, it may be beneficial to call an exterminator. 

 Will I get fleas from my pet?  

Fleas prefer to live on dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, and other animals, but will bite humans when searching for a meal.  Fleas typically do not live on people, but will gladly nibble on our ankles or arms when available.

 What do you recommend for flea prevention?  

Starting your pet on a flea prevention program is the simplest way to avoid the battle of infestation.  We recommend topical products such as Frontline Plus® or Advantage® that are applied directly to your pet’s skin.  Both products have a wide margin of safety, have been proven to be effective, and will kill fleas for 1 month.  We do not recommend using flea collars, shampoos, dips, or powders.  These products contain older pyrethrin based insecticides that can cause reactions and are less effective.  Generic topical products found over the counter are not recommended either.  When using any insecticide on a pet, be sure to read the entire warning label and instructions and verify that the product is made to be used on the correct species and weight of animal.  Never use a product designed for dogs on a cat!

We recommend using topical flea control all year long for your pet’s best protection.  Even in the winter months, fleas have been known to hatch out after a few mild days.

 Are fleas dangerous to my pet?  

Fleas carry several diseases that can be transmitted to pets.  The flea is also an intermediate host for tapeworms, so if your pet happens to swallow a flea during grooming, he/she can get intestinal tapeworms.  Fleas indulge in several blood meals daily, feeding for 3-4 hours at a time.  With an average intake of 13.6mg of blood daily and 15 times her body weight in her lifetime, a flea infestation can easily lead to anemia in your pet.   Besides the obvious discomfort and itching that fleas cause, some pets are actually allergic to flea saliva and can develop a skin condition called allergic dermatitis.

 How did my pet get fleas?

Even indoor pets can get fleas.  Any area that is inhabited by other pets or wildlife such as foxes, squirrels, mice, rabbits, possums, and raccoons may be infested with fleas.  A stroll around the block, a visit to the groomer, or a bathroom break in the back yard are all simple ways a pet can pick up fleas.  Even indoor cats can get fleas from mice caught in the home.  Gardens, sheds, parks, and wooded areas can all be environments with fleas. 

Important flea facts to remember!                                                     

•  Flea pupae are virtually indestructible; no insecticide can kill them.  All pupae must hatch into adults before they can ever be killed.  It can take several weeks or months for pupae to hatch.  Encouraging them to hatch by vacuuming is the quickest way to start eliminating your infestation.

• Treat ALL pets in your home.  Some pets are good at hiding signs of an infestation, but if just one flea is found, all pets in the household will have fleas and should be treated.

•  When fleas come into contact with an insecticide, they go through an excitatory state preceding death.  As the chemical reaches a flea’s brain, they may become more active.  So if it looks like your flea problem is actually getting worse after treatment, it is most likely due to the fact that the fleas are beginning to die.

• You’re not alone!  Flea infestations are a very common problem for all pet owners.  Having fleas does not mean that your home is unsanitary or that you are a “bad” pet owner.  A flea infestation can be an educational experience and positive proof of the power of prevention!