Fleas Facts & Information
911 Pest Experts is always reliable. Always innovative.
Inside the World of Fleas
Small and wingless, fleas are known for their long leaping powers and their ability to feast on animal and bird blood. There is proof of the flea's presence from ancient periods, suggesting that this parasitic insect has been present for millions of years. They are feared by many people because of their rapid reproduction rate and their tendency to invade houses, especially those with pets.
Itching, allergic reactions, and the possibility of disease transfer are common symptoms associated with fleas. For weeks, they can survive without a host and thrive in warm, humid environments.
Identification
Anatomy and Life Stages of Fleas
A flea is a little, reddish-brown bug that can be anywhere from 1.5 millimeters to 3.3 millimeters long. Because their bodies are flat on all sides, they can glide effortlessly through their hosts' fur or feathers. Fleas can jump more than a hundred times their body length because of their very large rear legs. Their strong shell makes them difficult to crush, despite the fact that they lack wings, unlike many insects.
The microscopic bristles that cover a flea's body allow it to attach to its host, and the piercing-sucking mouthparts allow it to draw blood. Although both sexes of the flea seem quite similar, the female is bigger and needs more blood to reproduce.
An adult flea emerges from an egg, which develops into a larva, and then a pupa. Following a blood meal, the adult female lays her eggs, which are small and white. These eggs drop from the host and land on carpets, beds, or soil. Within a few days, the eggs will hatch into larvae that will begin to feed on land plants. After developing into pupae, they enter a cocoon stage, emerging as adults when conditions are right, often triggered by the presence of a nearby host.
Characteristics
Specialized Traits That Help Fleas Thrive
Famous for their incredible leaping abilities, fleas may swiftly hop from host to host or flee from danger. Because of their exoskeleton's resilience and their flattened bodies, they are able to move undetected through fur. Fleas are very persistent because they may go for extended periods of time without eating. Their ability to sense vibration and heat allows them to emerge from their cocoons when they detect the presence of a host.
Habits
How Fleas Live, Eat, and Reproduce
During their entire life cycle, fleas feed mostly on blood since they are parasites. Their favorite food is warm-blooded animals, including humans, cats, dogs, and rodents, and they eat often throughout the day. Flea females deposit their eggs into the ground after a meal, and sometimes as many as fifty eggs every day.
Fleas often pupate in carpets, pet beds, furniture, and cracks and crevices inside homes. Fleas deposit their eggs in these hiding places. In the outdoors, they thrive in wet shade under porches, in dense grass, or under pet beds. Fleas, which are often not active in dry, cold climes, thrive in hot, humid environments. Since they despise being in the sun, they prefer areas with low light levels where their hosts are busy. They are difficult to control once an infestation has begun because of their active lifestyle and rapid reproduction rate.
Damage
The Hidden Costs of Flea Infestations
Red bite marks on people, particularly around the ankles, and tiny black dots (flea dirt) in pet hair or bedding are all signs of a flea infestation. In addition, dogs may be itchy all the time. Carpets, furniture, pet beds, and cracks in the floor are common hiding places for fleas. In addition to creating an unpleasant and unclean living environment, infestations may trigger allergic responses, stress, and secondary diseases. Anemia in dogs is a possible outcome of severe instances.
Health Risks
Health Risks and Safety Issues Linked to Fleas
Fleas pose several health risks to both humans and animals. In addition to irritating the skin, triggering allergic reactions, or even inducing secondary infections if scratched excessively, their bites often leave behind itchy red lumps. Flea bites may cause a skin condition in dogs called flea allergic dermatitis, which can cause severe itching and hair loss.
Also, fleas may transmit diseases like Yersinia pestis and, very infrequently, murine typhus. Their tapeworms may infect not only animals but also humans, especially children. Flea infestations may cause tiny animals to lose a lot of blood, which can lead to anemia. Stopping the harmful impacts on health from happening in the future requires swift action.
Get In Touch
Got a question? Need some help? We’re here! Fill out the contact form we will contact you.