Flea Control

The bothersome, biting creature known as the flea can make you and your pet unhappy. There are over 2000 known varieties worldwide of the flea species. The flea’s lifespan ranges anywhere from 14 days up to 2 years. Heat and humidity can assist in the egg laying stage while hot, dry periods help with the adult flea population. While summertime weather makes for the breeding of the insect, once the weather starts to cool fleas like to winter in your house.

Fleas are athletes. They can jump as high as 8 inches vertically and 16 inches horizontally. With this athleticism, they can sneak into your home regardless of the fact that your pets have never stepped outdoors. Fleas also like other animals, such as squirrels, rabbits, ferrets and a few other warm-blooded beings.

There are four life stages of the flea. The egg, larvae, pupae and adult stages are defined below.

Egg stage:

The female flea can lay 20-40 eggs a day with the eggs hatching in 1-10 days.

Larvae stage:

Once the larvae hatch, they find a dark place and feed on flea waste and debris. They molt at least two times and spin cocoons and become pupae. This phase lasts 5 to 10 days.

Pupae stage:

The pupae spend 8 or 9 days in their cocoons becoming adults, waiting for signs that it is time to leave the cocoon. This stage can last for 174 days!

Adult stage:

Once the flea finds a host, aka your pet, they leave the cocoons, find a mate, and the party begins again. An adult flea can live on your pet for up to 3 months if they have no flea protection.

Flea protection is not just for your pet. It is also for you and your home. So, how do you protect yourself?

Frontline flea and tick protection is your front line of defense. It is the #1 flea and tick product recommended by veterinarians. Frontline offers a range of products to meet your pet’s needs. From monthly applications to Frontline spray for pets that can be used as needed. This product can be used on all animals from 8 weeks old regardless of species or size. Which means you can use it on your large dog and you brand-new kitten.

Vacuuming daily is a must for your home. Proper disposal of the trash is very important. Empty the trash into a plastic bag, seal and remove the bag from your home. Laundering your pet’s bedding in hot, soapy water and spraying the areas where your pet lays is also necessary. Again, Frontline spray can be used for this application.

Don’t forget the yard! If your neighbor’s dog has fleas, you will likely have fleas in your yard. Keeping the grass cut and spraying the perimeter of your yard will help keep things under control. It has also been noted that a specific herb, Pennyroyal, planted around your home and pets’ kennels may also help in the control of fleas.

Flea control is an ongoing problem for most pet owners. Keeping ahead of the game is the goal!