Flea Facts: What You Need To Know

Fleas are tiny bloodsucking insects who feed off their host, generally humans, dogs, cats, other domestic animals, birds, mammals and reptiles. They are notoriously tough to catch, squish, or kill without chemicals.

Here are some facts about common fleas

1. A flea has four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, biting adult.
2. It is estimated that there are more than 2,000 species and subspecies of fleas.
3. Fleas do NOT fly…they quickly jump from one place to the other.
4. Female fleas can lay up to 2,000 eggs during her lifetime.
5. They are gluttons: it is estimated that the female flea may consume up to 15 times her body weight in daily blood feedings.
6. Fleas are incredible jumpers—up to eight inches high. That’s comparable to a human being jumping 150 feet high.
7. Our pets may develop conditions like anemia or tapeworms in addition to severe itching (aka pruritis).  Some animals may have an allergy (or develop one) to flea saliva. This worsens itching and irritation.
8. Flea infestation may be inside or outside the home. It is important to treat both.
9. Outdoors, fleas tend to gravitate to moist, cool and shady areas of your yard. This may include under patios, porches, around fences, and amid landscaping.