12 Freaky Flea Facts

Fleas…How much do you really know about these blood sucking pests? The more you know, the better able you will be to protect your pets and your home from a flea infestation. Before starting any flea control plan, make sure that you consult with your veterinarian.

Below are 12 Freaky Flea Facts

1. Fleas are small and are between 1/16 and 1/8 inch in length when full grown.

2. They are wingless insects that get onto hosts by jumping

3. Fleas are excellent jumpers. They can propel their bodies more than 200 times their length.

4. A flea lifecycle consists of 4 stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Fleas can remain in the pupa stage for up to 8 months. Environmental conditions determine when a pupa will emerge. (This makes it difficult to get rid of a flea infestation)

5. Once adult fleas emerge from the pupa stage they have about 7 days to find a blood meal or they die.

6. They can live anywhere between 2 months and 100 days between meals.

7. Adult fleas need a host to lay eggs. Almost any warm-blooded animal can be a host. Fleas are commonly found on dogs, cats and other mammals (as well as birds)

8. The average flea has a 2-3 month life span

9. A female flea can eat 15 times her body weight (in blood) on a daily basis.

10. A female flea can lay about 2,000 eggs over her life

11. She will lay eggs within 35-48 hours after her 1st blood meal

12. Fleas can cause a serious skin irritation. The condition is an allergic reaction to the saliva. Some symptoms include itching, redness, bumps, pus and in severe cases it can even cause hair loss in your pets.

These freaky flea facts will help you better understand these insect vampires. If you notice your pet scratching or if you are getting suspicious bites you just may have a flea infestation. Taking your pet to your vet would be the 1st step in dealing with a flea infestation and then call Xtreme Weed & Pest Solutions and we will help you eliminate the problem by providing solutions and service.