Preventing the “Flea Population Explosion” 

Our living habits, including the use of household carpeting, contribute to increased flea populations.  Most dogs and cats spend much of their time indoors where carpeting provides a protected environment for fleas.  Warm temperatures and high relative humidity indoors also help accelerate the flea reproduction cycle.  

Recent research has shown that once on a pet, adult fleas are permanent residents of the host’s hair coat.  Adult fleas suck the pet’s blood before they mate and lay eggs on the host.  Fecal material (small, black “flea dirt”) on the pet is sufficient evidence of flea infestation.  The female flea may produce hundreds or thousands of eggs in her lifetime.  Flea eggs do not stick to the animal; instead eggs fall off in the environment.  Eggs are likely  to  fall where the pet spends the most time such as on carpeting, furniture or bedding. 

While in the pet’s environment the eggs hatch into larvae.  Larvae feed primarily on blood passed in the “flea dirt” which accumulates in the bedding, furniture, or carpet.  After feeding and developing for about two weeks, the larval flea spins a cocoon and enters the pupal stage.  The cocoon shelters the pupa and pre-emerged flea adult.  The adult flea can remain inactive for up to 140 days within the cocoon until an animal is present in the house. A house that has been unoccupied for several weeks may be “jumping” with fleas soon after a family returns from vacation.  Although the pre-adult flea may remain within the cocoon for many months,  the egg-to-adult cycle is complete in about one month.

Flea bites irritate the pet’s skin, causing some pets to develop allergic skin disorders.  In these flea allergic animals, the bite of one or two fleas can cause intense itching and scratching.  However, fleas are not the only cause of itching.  Fleas also transmit tapeworms when the pet ingests adult fleas. Because some stages of the flea’s life cycle occur on the pet and others occur in the environment, successful flea control must include effective, persistent treatment of the pet as well as the pet’s bedding and areas of the house that if frequents.  An insect growth regulator such as methoprene is especially helpful because it prevents the flea eggs from hatching and the larval stage from developing into the pupal stage. 

Vacuum carpeted areas to pick up eggs and flea dirt.  The vibration of some vacuum cleaners may also cause adult fleas to emerge from the cocoon.  The newly emerged adults are likely to be picked up by the vacuum cleaner or vulnerable to adulticidal insecticides.  Insecticidal powders, dips, sprays are available for use on the pet in addition to newer,  highly effective monthly preventative prodcuts such as Program, Revolution, and Frontline which are strongly recommended.  It is still important to treat the house with sprays foggers, or powders.  If the homeowner prefers, assistance from professional pest exterminators is available.  The outdoor environment should be examined for infestation and sprayed with insecticides if necessary.