Oh No, I Have FLEAS!
Fleas have what is known as complete metamorphosis. In a sense, this means that the flea will change completely from what it looked like as a young. Butterflies also have a complete metamorphosis
Fleas begin as an egg. Once the egg hatches, the flea becomes a larva (similar to a caterpillar). These larvae will swing through the carpeting looking for dried blood to consume as their nourishment.
Once this stage is complete, the fleas will spin a silken cocoon (pupa). They use any fabric fibers where they are nesting. For instance, in the rug, they use the rug fibers. If they are spinning a cocoon on the couch, they will use the couch fibers.
Their last stage is the adult. Every flea seen is an adult. The smaller ones have recently emerged from the pupa stage and have not had a blood meal. Once they have a blood meal, they become large in size (engorged).
The adult flea will remain on the host (your pet) its entire life. Fleas are capable of producing 50 eggs per day. That is equivalent to more than 160,000 fleas in a little more than sixty days. These eggs are laid on your pet, and will later drop wherever your pet goes. These areas include your floor, the couch, your bed and even the yard.
In order to gain control of these pests, products must be applied to the areas likely to host the infestation including the carpeting in each room of the structure. Make sure to address the yard too. Your pet needs treatment as well. Speak to your vet about the proper treatment methods for your cat or dog.
Fleas do not disappear overnight. On average control will take an average of 8 weeks from your first treatment. Reapply treatment, as per the label of the pesticide of choice, should the fleas remain.
After you have applied the treatment, follow these steps in order to help remove fleas and their eggs. First, Wash pet bedding in hot soapy water weekly. Fleas will love your pet’s bed. Keep in mind, flea eggs will roll off as you carry the bed. Second, vacuum carpets, chairs, and couches thoroughly at last once per week. Third, dispose of vacuum contents. The fleas will live in the vacuum bag or canister and can reinfest your home. Fourth, use a flea comb on your pet daily. This step will remove all fleas trying to make a new home. Fifth, continue these steps until the fleas have been eliminated. Sixth, do not hesitate to hire an exterminator to help with your pest control needs should the pest remain after all efforts have failed
