The truth about the Flea Lifecycle!
The flea’s life cycle is broken down into 4 stages:
Egg: The female adult flea lays eggs that are deposited onto your animal’s coat. They subsequently fall off into the animal’s surroundings – bedding, furniture and carpet. Eggs hatch and can develop into adults within only 3 weeks.
Larva: Within days, larvae hatch from the eggs and live undetected in your surroundings.
Pupa: The flea larvae spin a cocoon around themselves for protection. This life stage of the flea is the most difficult to get rid of and can lay dormant for months.
Adult: When the conditions are right, the adult flea emerges from the pupa and begins the cycle all over again. The adult flea jumps onto an animal, or “host”, and begins the cycle of blood meals and breeding. Although their life cycle is only 6 – 12 months, a female flea can lay up to 2,000 eggs in her lifetime.
Prevention and Treatment
Sentinel: This monthly heartworm prevention pill for dogs also provides flea control. It works as an inhibitor at the egg and larval stages. If adult fleas are present they can reproduce, but the eggs and larva they do produce will be sterile and wont hatch.
Nexgard: A once monthly pill for dogs that prevents fleas and ticks.
Parastar Plus: A monthly topical application for dogs that prevents fleas and ticks.
Revolution: A monthly topical application for cats that protects against fleas, heartworm disease and can treat and control hookworms, roundworms, and ear mites.
Capstar: A tablet for both cats and dogs, it begins killing all adult fleas within 30 minutes of administering. It can be given once daily if needed.
Knockout: This product is used for your home. It is a spray that is extremely effective in eliminating all stages of the life cycle. It should be used on all areas-carpeting, furniture and draperies. Vacuum after using and dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the container. Keep all pets away from the areas you have sprayed until cleaned.
Remember to monitor your pets and your home for fleas at all times!