The Flea Life Cycle
There are 4 stages of the flea’s life cycle. The life cycle can be any where from 3 weeks to 6 months depending on the external environment.
Adult. The adult fleas that you see are only 5% of the actual population. After the adult flea has its first blood meal from the host–your dog and/or cat–then it is capable of reproduction. One adult flea can lay 40 to 50 eggs a day onto the host. A female flea can lay up to 2,000 eggs in its life time. The female lays the eggs which can then fall off into the pet’s immediate environment: bed, blanket, floor, etc.
Eggs. The eggs can take between 2 days and 2 weeks to hatch and compose about 50% of the flea population. The primary habitat of the eggs is any where the host lives.
Larvae. Next, the eggs become larvae. Flea larvae feed on any available organic material such as dead insects, feces, and vegetable matter. The larval stage composes approximately 35% of the entire flea population. The larvae are blind and avoid sunlight, keeping to dark places like sand, cracks and crevices, and bedding. They can stay in the larval stage for 1 to 2 weeks, when they develop cocoons and transition into the pupae stage.
Pupae. The pupae stage is extremely hard to destroy. They can remain in this stage for several months until there is an external stimulus. The external stimulus such as; vibrations, heat, and carbon dioxide indicate that a host is near. Fleas can remain in the larvae or pupae stages even over winter. This is a good reason why your pet should be on a flea preventative year round. Once the pupae change into adults they only have about a week to have their first blood meal. After their first meal they can survive several months between meals.
Health Risks Associated with Fleas
Anemia: This is a condition where the body has a decrease in red blood cells. Fleas can consume up to 15 times their weight in blood daily. This can result in significant blood loss in highly infested animals.
Flea allergy dermatitis: This is one of the most common skin conditions seen at a veterinary clinic. It is usually seen with hair loss around tail head and back of rear legs. The pet is very itchy and uncomfortable.
Tapeworms: (Dipylidium caninum) Your pets can get tapeworms by swallowing infected flea larvae. People can also get tapeworms from animals by the fleas.
Diagnosing a Flea Infestation
Fleas can be seen either as live adult fleas on the animal or by the excrement left by the adult fleas. This excrement is also known as “flea dirt.” A flea comb can be used to comb through the animal’s hair coat to see flea dirt and/or adult fleas.
Treatment
If your pets are infested with fleas, not only do you need to treat all of your pets, including any outdoor pets, it is also necessary to treat your house, garage and possibly even your yard.
Home. KNOCKOUT® E.S. Area Treatment can help treat and control fleas and ticks around the home. This product is recommended to treat the areas where the pets primarily are including the cracks, crevices, and the floors. You will also want to vacuum the floors. If you have a bag vacuum make sure you throw the bag away outside and if you have a canister be sure you wash it out.
Property. Eliminating fleas out of doors is an article all its own! Options range from hiring a professional to checking your local home and garden store for pet-safe pesticides, to alternative landscaping choices.
Pets. There are a lot of options for treating your pets. Treating them just once may buy some immediate relief, however since fleas are only vulnerable to treatment during certain stages in their lifecycle, consistent periodic treatment is recommended. Year-round monthly prevention is recommended. We have a list of canine preventions available with a summary of multiple options.
Eliminating fleas can be a challenging project. The key is persistence and a comprehensive approach. A sustained effort will ensure that both your pets and home remain flea-free. If you need more guidance, don’t hesitate to contact us for further assistance.