What are Fleas?

Almost all pet owners treat their pets as family. This is specifically why we take special care of them. But, what if you find out that your pet is suffering from a flea infestation? This could be a pet owner’s worst nightmare. But as what many great people have said, “Knowledge is your best weapon against the enemy.” Thus, it pays to take time to learn more about fleas and their capabilities.

THE INFESTATION

The first thing you need to know about fleas is that they are great jumpers. This means that they can quickly jump to your pet to begin an infestation. Once they find a suitable host, which could be an animal or human, they immediately begin to feed.

THE FEEDING

Fleas feed on blood. In fact, it’s their one and only diet. Fleas begin to feed within seconds of finding a host. Once they’ve accumulated enough blood, they begin to lay eggs.

THE LAYING

Female fleas begin laying eggs within 24 to 48 hours of feeding. They can actually lay around 50-60 eggs every day. These eggs may hatch all at the same time or gradually, hence a flea infestation can happen almost immediately. The baby fleas or larvae feed on the adult fleas’ feces to coat themselves and become pupae.

THE REAPING

Fleas can stay protected up to 350 days in their cocoon, ensuring them a very high survival rate even in the harshest of environments. Pupae are very hard to kill as they stick to the hair. And when they hatch, you don’t get a butterfly, but an annoying biting insect.

THE PLAGUE

When the pupae hatch, adult fleas come out. And just like their predecessor, they feed within seconds of hatching and thus begins another cycle.

These pesky parasites maybe your worst nightmare, but they can easily be removed by constantly checking your pet and yourself for fleas. Using flea-removing products is one effective way of treating an infestation. Most of all, it really pays off to be careful and to keep watch of any unusual reactions from your pet.