SOME FACTS ABOUT FLEAS

- Flea fossils have been found that date back to the lower cretaceous period.

- The Cat Flea (Ctenocephalides Felis) is the most common species of flea and is found on both cats and dogs.

- Fleas can jump about 150 times their own body length.  That would equate to a human jumping 1000 feet!

- A female flea begins laying eggs within 36-48 hours after her first blood meal.  She will continue to consume 15 times her own body weight in blood daily and will lay about 2000 eggs during her lifetime.

- 95% of all Fleas, in their various stages of life, are present in the environment rather than on the pet.  They can survive on their own in the environment for up to 365 days.

- Flea eggs, larva and pupa lie in the carpet, upholstery and bedding.  The larva feed on organic matter, such as dead skin cells, fur and hair before molting into the pupa stage.

- Fleas can reproduce indoors all year round.

 

THE LIFE CYCLE OF THE FLEA

EGG STAGE

A female lays about 2,000 eggs in her lifetime. In one day, a single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs. The eggs aren't sticky – some may quickly fall off your pet and into areas of your home. In two to five days, the eggs hatch.
 

LARVAL STAGE

After hatching, the larvae head toward dark places around your home and feed on "flea dirt" – excrement of the partially digested blood of your pet. The larvae grow, molt twice, then spin cocoons, where they grow to pupae.

PUPA STAGE

Immature fleas spend approximately 8–9 days in their cocoon. During this time, they continue to grow to adulthood, waiting for the signals that it is time to emerge.
 

ADULT STAGE

Full-grown adults detect heat, vibrations and exhaled carbon dioxide from inside their cocoons, telling them a host is nearby. The adults leave their cocoons, hop onto a host, find a mate and begin the life cycle all over again.

 

THE FLEA PYRAMID
 

 

WARNING SIGNS THAT YOUR PET MAY HAVE FLEAS

BLACK SPECS: The presence of black specs on your pet or in your dog's or cat's bed may be "flea dirt" – the fecal matter from adult fleas.

There are two easy ways to check for black specks:

Flea Comb – available from your veterinarian (the metal ones are the best). Run the comb over your pet, making sure the comb reaches the skin through the coat. If black specks are on the comb when you pull it off, they might be flea dirt. If fleas are on the comb, drown them in a bowl of soapy water before they can get away or jump back on your pet.

White Paper Towel - place a white paper towel beneath your pet and rub your hands across its fur. If black specks appear on the towel, it may be flea dirt.

AGITATION AND SCRATCHING - If infested with fleas, your pet will become very nervous and annoyed and will probably scratch excessively.

 

               Flea Activity For The Grove City Area

 

FLEA PREVENTION

The Stringtown Animal Hospital recommends the use of Frontline Plus in the general treatment and prevention of fleas.  Here are some facts pertaining to it's effectiveness.

FRONTLINE FACTS:

- Frontline Plus is a topical liquid applied between the shoulder blades of your pet.

- Kills 98-100% of fleas on your pet within 24 hours of application.

- Breaks the flea life cycle by killing the flea eggs and larva.

- Frontline spreads over the pet’s body via the sebaceous glands. It is stored in those glands and continually released from the hair follicles for continued protection for up to 30 days.

- Frontline can be used on puppies and kittens 8 weeks of age and older.

- The manufacturer of Frontline Plus has approved it's use on pregnant and nursing animals.

- Frontline is waterproof and will continue to kill fleas even after bathing and swimming.

- When used monthly, Frontline kills those fleas picked up from the environment preventing flea infestation.

- Frontline Plus also kills all major species of ticks, including those known to carry Lyme Disease.
 

Frontline Plus is available through Stringtown Animal Hospital. Please speak with one of our Veterinarians about protecting your pet and home from fleas during your next visit.

 

Although this page provides basic information about fleas, your veterinarian is always your best source of health information. Consult your veterinarian for more information about fleas and their prevention.