HABITS AND BIOLOGY:
Fleas go through a complete metamorphosis. There are four distinct stages: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult. Flea eggs are laid on the host or are deposited on the floor or ground surface. They also are often found in upholstery or pet bedding. A female flea will continue to lay a few eggs every day until she has reached up to 200-400 eggs. These eggs will develop into flea larvae from 2 days to several weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity. Flea larvae are active and look like maggots. The larvae will feed on organic debris, but particularly like to feed on feces of the adult fleas. This "flea diet" contains undigested blood. The flea larvae are hard to spot and are found deep in carpets or the cracks and crevices of floors and upholstery. They are very difficult to vacuum, becoming entwined in the carpet fibers. The next stage called the pupae will look like a cocoon, also hard to spot. Under warm conditions, many adult fleas will emerge from this protective cocoon within 7-14 days, longer under less favorable conditions.

Whenever you see adult fleas crawling on your pet, it is only a symptom of a much larger problem. Current studies indicate that adult fleas account for only 5% of the total flea population in any given situation. Eggs account for 50%, larvae account for about 35%, and the remaining 10% are the pupil cocoons. That means that for every single adult flea living on your dog or cat, there are 10 eggs, 7 larvae, and 2 cocoons. These various life cycle stages will be found anywhere in the pet's environment, but will be most concentrated in the areas that the pet spends most of its time. Remember, when the adult flea on the pet lays an egg, it will fall off the hairs in just a few minutes....it is very similar to them sowing "seeds". So, areas where the pet sleeps or lies around will have the most eggs. If the pet usually walks through certain paths (either indoors or outdoors), there will also be a substantial amount of eggs scattered in those areas. What this means is that environmental flea control must be spread over the pet's entire environment, focusing on the areas the pet spends the majority of its time.

RECOMMENDED TREATMENT:
The best time to start a flea control program is in the late spring prior to an infestation. Since adult fleas comprise only 5% of the total flea population. To contain an infestation, fleas must be controlled:

INTERIOR CONTROL:
This can be accomplished by using insect growth inhibitors and residual insecticides:
Frequently dust, sweep, vacuum, and mop all surfaces where pets or you have been. Eggs are laid on the pet and drop off as it moves. All affected pets should be treated at this time and removed from the premises for 4-6 hours. Remove birds from the home. Cover or remove fish, and turn off the pump. You should keep covered shoes on until all treated areas have dried (4-6 hours). Successful treatment involves the use of a residual insecticide to control the adult flea and a growth inhibitor to prevent the egg from developing.

EXTERIOR CONTROL:
An exterior flea problem can be caused by your pets and/or other animals in the area. Exterior treatment is most effective in a contained area that is kept mowed and free of debris.

ON THE PET:
If possible, consult your vet about the health and skin condition of your pet prior to treatment. Begin flea control on the pet by using a mild shampoo and a sponge-type flea dip, flea spray, or flea shampoo.

Fleas are parasites, feeding directly on man or other warm-blooded animals. Usually you or your pet serves as these "hosts". A flea can jump 7-8 inches vertically and 14-16 inches horizontally. A skin reaction to a flea bite would be a slightly raised, red, itching spot. Sometimes bleeding does occur. Fleas usually require warm and humid conditions to develop. Due to the flea cycle and weather conditions, many people don't realize they have a flea problem until they return home from vacation or move to new premises and are confronted by "hungry fleas". There are several types of fleas, but the most common is the cat flea, even on dogs. Fleas are attracted to body heat, movement, and carbon dioxide exhaled.

APPEARANCE:
The average size ranges from 1/12-1/6 inch long, being very small and without wings. Their bodies are narrow, if you view them from its sides, allowing them for movement in narrow areas. Because their bodies are covered with spines projecting backward, they are difficult to remove by shaking or scratching.

DIET:
Adults feed on blood; the larvae eat a "flea diet" consisting of dried blood.