Flea season is here! How much do we know about these pests? We’re nearing the Spring season, which means PESTS! There is a lot of discussion on flea prevention and what to use, but there isn’t much discussion about fleas themselves. Understanding the “enemy” might sometimes assist you to figure out how to address a possible situation.
Fleas are a small but annoying bug that we can have in our homes and on our pets. The majority of the flea life cycle does not occur on our pets, which many people are unaware of. When we encounter adult fleas, we know we’re dealing with an issue. A female flea has the ability to lay up to 50 eggs every day. This means that a single flea can cause a major problem. Flea larvae prefer cool, dark places in our homes, such as beneath furniture and under baseboards. After that, there’s the pupa stage. Here’s a diagram of the flea life cycle.
This is why getting rid of fleas is so difficult. This stage is impervious to all insecticides and can remain dormant for lengthy periods of time. As a result, it may appear that all of the fleas have vanished, only to be greeted with a new swarm of fleas. So, what do you do now?
Where are the Fleas Coming From?
If you have a flea problem, there are a few things you may do to assist in breaking the life cycle. The first step is to ensure that all animals in the house have been properly treated. Try to figure out what’s causing the issue. Are the fleas originating from within the house or being brought in from outside? This entails keeping an eye on your dogs. In the morning and after they’ve gone outside, double-check them. If they have no fleas inside in the morning but come outside and find fleas, the cause is most likely in the outside environment. You may need to consult with a pest control officer in such a situation.
Flea Control in House
There are a few crucial things that can be done if the source is in the house. First and foremost, your vacuum cleaner is your best friend! The vacuum’s mechanical activities will destroy the pupa, as well as any larvae, eggs, or fleas that have been collected. The vibrations may also assist in the emergence of the latent pupa. Vacuum under furniture and along baseboards on a regular basis. Even on tile, hardwood, and laminate floors, this is critical.
Your dryer is another household appliance that is a good companion. Washing all of the bedding is excellent, but no one has time to do so more frequently. In that scenario, place the bedding in a high-heat dryer for 40 minutes. The eggs, larvae, pupae, and fleas on the bedding will be killed as well. It takes less time and effort than repeatedly cleaning and drying everything.
Flea season is here! Consistency is key! Knowing the life cycle can help you realize that the entire life cycle must be addressed in order to solve the problem. We all wish there was a bubble we could place around our pets to prevent flea infestations. Because we won’t be able to do so, we’ll empower ourselves with information and use these easy techniques to combat the pests.