FLEAS



Successful flea control involves: 

1. Elimination fleas from ALL dogs in the family
2. Controlling fleas in the HOME and YARD environment

1. Flea eggs are whitish and about 0.5 mm (1/32”) in length. They are unlikely to be seen without a magnifying glass. The eggs are initially laid on the pet’s skin but fall off into the environment
   to continue their life cycle. Flea eggs constitute approximately 50% of the total flea population. Eggs may hatch in as little as 14 to 28 days, depending on environmental conditions. High humidity and temperature favors rapid hatching. 

2. Flea larvae are about 2-5 mm (1/8 to ¼”) in length. They dislike strong light and move deep into carpet fibers or under furniture, organic debris, grass, branches, leaves, soil, etc. Flea larvae prefer warm, dark and moist areas. Outdoor larval development occurs only in shaded; moist areas where flea infested pets spend a significant amount of time. Our climate controlled homes offer an ideal environment for the flea life cycle to thrive.

3. The flea pupae produce a protective silk-like cocoon, which is sticky. It quickly becomes coated with grime and debris, which acts as a useful camouflage. With warmth and humidity, pupae become adult fleas in 5-10 days. The adults do not emerge from the cocoon unless stimulated by vibrations, physical pressure, carbon dioxide or heat. This is important since once fleas emerge from the cocoon they can only exist for a few days unless they are able to feed. During this time they are resistant to insecticides applied to the environment. This is important to remember because adult fleas may emerge into the environment a considerable time after insecticides are applied in the home. This is why we recommend vacuuming. This may remove some of the pupa stage from the environment but also stimulates the pupa to hatch and come in contact with the environmental treatment products.

4. Once emerged the flea adult, is attracted to light and emerges to the surface in order to encounter a passing host to feed upon. The female flea needs to feed within 2 days of hatching and she will not start to lay eggs until 2 days after she has her first meal. This is where using Capstar every 2 days in the beginning of the treatment helps. In normal circumstances the adult female will live up to three weeks, laying approximately 40-50 eggs per day.  One female can lay over 3,000 eggs in 3 weeks. The entire life cycle, from egg to adult flea can be completed in 14-28 days depending on environmental conditions. Adult fleas can jump 6-8 feet.

TICKS

For more information on the life cycle of fleas and ticks, please visit:

 

                              

 

 

 

                
                                 
          

House:

Yard:

1. Anemia – puppies and kittens can die from a significant blood loss caused by a large number of fleas
2. Tape worms – an intestinal parasite
3. Itching
   1. Flea bite dermatitis is the most common skin problem in cats and dogs
   2. Flea Allergy – this is a true allergic reaction to fleas. It only takes one flea bite to make these pets itch for days. Strict environmental control is necessary to help these pets.

1. TREAT ALL ANIMALS and the ENVIORNMENT
2. Capstar every 2 days for 15 treatments – A flea will start to lay eggs 2 days after the first blood meal. Capstar starts to kill fleas in 30 minutes – stops fleas from laying eggs and does not allow other fleas to start to lay eggs.
3. Start one of the monthly flea control products recommended above – it takes 2 days for the Front Line to spread over the body
4. Treat the house with Virbac ® Knock Out Area Treatment after vacuuming
5. Treat the yard with Virbac ®Yard Spray

1. Treat yard once a month
2. Use a recommended monthly flea control product