Fleas

The most common flea causing you and your furry friends anguish is the cat flea. Remember to always seek the help of a veterinarian in treating your domestic pets. While Dogs and Cats are the most likely source, fleas are no stranger to harboring on rats, rabbits, mice, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, opossums, foxes, chickens, and humans.

Fleas pass through a life cycle that begins with an egg, passing through the larval-pupa stages to reach adulthood. Flea larvae rarely live on a host. They are generally found in the nest or bedding where the host animal sleeps. They feed on organic debris including bits of hair, feathers, skin, and adult flea feces. After two molts, the fleas pupate in a tiny cocoon. Completion of the life cycle may take as little as two weeks.

Normally the female flea lays about 15 to 20 eggs per day up to 600 in a lifetime. Egg incubation takes from three to ten days.

In about five to fourteen days adult fleas can emerge, or may remain resting in the cocoon until the detection of vibration, pressure, heat, or carbon dioxide indicate to them that a pet or human is nearby, (it’s time to feed!)

A normal life span for an adult flea may be two to three months but newly emerged adults can only survive for a week or so without a blood meal.

Optimum temperatures for the flea’s life cycle are 70°F to 85°F and optimum humidity is 70 percent. If continued development is left unchecked, ten female adult fleas multiply to over a quarter million in as little as one month.

If Fleas are a problem in your home, Call Atlas today!