Fleas

Fleas are one of the more important groups of insect pests because they not only cause discomfort by biting, but they can also transmit diseases. Some of the names for fleas are: Cat flea, Dog flea, Human flea and the Oriental Rat flea. Keep in mind that the names of these fleas do not have any correlation with the types of mammals that they can be found on. The common type of flea that plagues so many of our pets (both cats and dogs) as well as our dwellings is the CAT FLEA.

        THE LIFE CYCLE EGG ‚ LARVAE ‚ PUPA - ADULT SIZE: Adults are about 1/8 inch long COLOR: Dark brown almost blackish BIOLOGY: Females lay 4-8 eggs after each blood meal. Females lay 400-500 eggs in their lifetime. Eggs are oval, whitish and about 1/64 inch long, and usually hatch in 1-2 days. The larvae have chewing mouth parts and feed on organic debris but require dried fecal blood in order to complete development. The larvae do not bite. Larvae require high relative humidity and 1 ‚ 2 weeks to several months to go through 3 instars. The pupae stage may last 4 ‚ 14 days or up to a year under harsh conditions. The pre-emerged adult remains in the cocoon for up to 20 weeks, where it is protected from adverse conditions (including pesticides). Adults are stimulated to emerge from the cocoon by an increase in temperature, and vibrations. Larvae and pupae are typically found where the animal sleeps or frequents. Adults usually begin to seek a blood meal on the second day after emergence, but they cal live for several months on stored body fat. Once on a host they tend to spend all of their time on the host, feeding, mating, and laying eggs. They have a preferred host (your pet) but they will bite and survive using other species as hosts. HABITS: It is not necessary to have pets in the building in order to have fleas present. Since fleas can jump about 6", they can easily come in on shoes and trousers, etc.. Fleas are typically found where animals sleep or frequent. This is where eggs and adult fecal blood will accumulate. Most larvae and pupae will be found in similar places. INDOOR CONTROL: The homeowner or occupant Must do the following just before the flea treatment:

• Remove all items from the floor and carpet
• Remove all items from under the beds and on closet floors
• Vacuum all upholstered furniture, all floors and all carpet, pay special attention to the foot of the furniture
• Remove the vacuum bag immediately!! Put it into a plastic bag and place it in the trash outside the home or burn it if permitted.
• Have all pets treated the same day as your home!!