Fleas how long can they live

The insect growth regulators methoprene and pyriproxyfen can be used indoors. Although methoprene is unstable in sunlight, it is an effective indoor treatment. Pyriproxyfen controls both immature and adult fleas. Indoors, treat pet loafing and sleeping areas, and in and under nearby furniture. Outdoors, treat only flea breeding sites such as bedding areas, the ground under decks and shrubbery, and wherever pets spend a lot of time. Well maintained lawns in sunny sites are unlikely to harbor many fleas.

Suitable consumer products for indoor and outdoor treatments are listed in Table 1. Because flea pupae are hard to kill with insecticides, an additional follow-up treatment is usually needed 7 to 10 days after the first application.

When using short-residual insecticides such as pyrethrins, two or three follow-up sprays at 5- to day intervals may be required.

Fire ants and other predatory insects eat flea larvae but they do not control fleas completely. Several kinds of predatory nematodes a type of microscopic worm are sold for outdoor flea control, but their effectiveness has not been well tested.

Studies suggest that nematodes work best in sandy soils. This prolongs nematode survival and helps them move through the soil in search of flea larvae. Several kinds of flea traps are available from pest control companies and pet stores.

The most effective designs use a special green light that blinks occasionally to simulate the shadow of a passing host.

Most attract fleas to a sticky card, where they are trapped. Place traps near pet beds and loafing areas for best control. By themselves, traps are unlikely to solve most flea problems; however, they can be a useful part of an integrated flea control program for your home.

Begin your flea control program early for best results. Start a frequent and thorough sanitation program, regularly inspect your pet for fleas, carefully follow the label directions of the insecticide product you choose, and dispose of all pesticides safely.

These steps will help you reduce the need for extra pesticide treatments. Long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, socks and shoes are the minimum. Check the pesticide label for additional safety requirements. When mixing liquid pesticides wear unlined, chemical resistant gloves. Allow pesticide sprays to dry thoroughly before letting people or pets into a treated area. Never dispose of flea dips or other unused pesticides in storm sewers, toilets or sinks.

This pollutes the environment and can result in costly clean-ups for your community. Leftover flea dip may be poured onto a grassy area for biological degradation, or disposed of in some other manner as specified on the label. A pest control company can treat both indoor and outdoor areas.

Download a printer-friendly version of this publication: Controlling Fleas. Contact Your County Office. The silica dust cuts and dries up fleas on contact. Why DoMyOwn? Adult fleas lay their eggs on a host, usually a pet. The eggs are easily dislodged from the host when the pet shakes, scratches, or moves.

The eggs fall to the ground, floor, pet bedding, sofa, or any of the places where the animal frequents. The flea eggs measure about 0. Flea eggs hatch into larvae in days depending on conditions.

Once the eggs hatch, this stage is known as larvae or larva in the singular. Larvae have a maggot-like appearance, are pale or translucent in color, and measure 2mm long when hatched. Once fully developed, the larvae will measure up to 5mm long and take on a darker color.

The larvae prefer dark conditions and hide away in dimly lit areas such as between floorboards, inside crevices, and in carpets. Flea larvae have strong, well-developed mouths and feed on their skin shedding, feces of adult fleas, other animal waste, dead skin cells, animal fur and hair, and other organic debris. This stage lasts days depending on the conditions. Larvae shed their skin called molting three times before transforming into pupae.

In the pupal stage, the flea larvae spin a silky cocoon from gossamer, which is the same substance that spiders produce to weave their webs. The cocoon is sticky and attaches debris including dirt, dust, and flea feces to create a hard shell. Flea pupae are the most difficult stage to exterminate on account of the protective shell. The pupae are difficult to vacuum up and exterminate with insecticide sprays. This stage lasts between days, although the pupae may get stuck in this stage for up to a year in unfavorable conditions.

Adult fleas require some nudging to come out of their cocoon. The adult can remain in the cocoon for up to 5 months in unfavorable conditions. Adult fleas measure 1. The first order of business once the adult flea emerges is to find a blood meal. Although flightless, adult fleas have strong hind-legs which allow them to jump onto hosts. A female adult can start laying eggs within hours of her first blood meal.

The typical female lays eggs in a day and up to in her lifetime depending on the species. Adult fleas typically live between days but can live for up to a year under ideal conditions. Fleas live on blood exclusively. These parasites prefer hairy animals including cats, dogs, rabbits, mice, rats, possums, and other wild or domesticated animals. In the absence of their preferred host furry animals , fleas will happily feed on humans.

Flea mouthparts are especially suited for sucking blood. For this purpose, a couple of mouthparts come together. The laciniae, which are two saw-like parts, are tasked with cutting the skin. Both of these diseases are from bacteria and require medical treatment like antibiotics. An allergic reaction to the bite can cause flea allergy dermatitis. This can result in:. Allergic reactions to flea bites can also occur with animals.

An allergic reaction can cause an animal to scratch bites to such an extent that their skin becomes raw or they lose hair. Fleas may carry tapeworms. Children may be more likely to accidentally ingest a flea.

Tapeworms may not be harmful to your overall health or the health of your pet, but if you notice something that is white and looks like a pumpkin seed in the feces of you or your pet, it may signal tapeworms.

Talk to a doctor or veterinarian if you suspect this. You will need to treat both your pet and home if you suspect a flea infestation. There are several methods to try to remove fleas. Fleas can bite humans, but they live on animals and in their sleeping spaces.

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While most bug bites cause only mild symptoms, some bug bites can transmit disease. Read on to learn more about symptoms and how to prevent bug bites.

If you have swelling in just one eye or have found a spider in the area where you were bit, it's safe to assume a spider or similar bug is to blame. Most spider bites are harmless, and symptoms will go away after a few days. Seek immediate medical care if you suspect the following.

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If you share a bed with your pets, you may find black specks called "flea dirt. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Indoor flea removal Outdoor flea removal Pet flea removal Risks and warnings Takeaway How long can infestations last?

How to get rid of fleas in your home.