This article was featured in WYDaily on 10/7/22.
Autumn is one of the most active seasons for fleas. These notoriously unwanted pests are so tiny, yet can wreak major havoc for pets, owners, and their homes. The Heritage Humane Society shares tips for preventing fleas and handling infestations so you and your pet can stay problem-free and save money.
According to the American Kennel Club, flea season in Virginia lasts from March through December. While its common to associate fleas with warmer months, the troublemakers actually prefer slightly cooler temperatures, work hard to find a snuggly spot, and strive to avoid sunlight.
Pesky little bloodsuckers
With more than 200 species of fleas affecting unprotected animals and pets, these can also transmit disease such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, as well as cause tapeworm infections and anemia. Some pets are very sensitive to fleabites and suffer from serious allergic reactions of itchy, red, and scabby skin and even hair loss. Even their human companions can suffer from bites triggering unrelenting scratching and discomfort.
Fleas are resiliently fierce storm troopers. They are built to survive, eat, and reproduce – rapidly. They can jump 4 to 5 feet. An adult female lays about 20 eggs at a time. In her lifetime (depending on conditions, up to 1-1/2 years), she may produce hundreds, even thousands of eggs. If laid on pets, the eggs can also fall off and start to be scattered around your house and yard. The eggs hatch in about a week into larvae. The larvae then pupate by spinning cocoons, in which they can finish their development in a week or depending on the conditions, can stay in their cocoons for up to six months. For every single adult flea you see, there are about 10 cocoons, 35 larvae and 50 eggs hiding in carpets, pet beds, cracks, corners, and furniture. One blood meal can keep a flea satiated for up to two months tricking people who think they’ve destroyed them when they’ve just gone dormant. Treatment has to be swift, far-reaching, and relentless until all signs of fleas, larvae, and eggs are gone.
Scavenger hunt time
Fleas are well adept at playing hide and seek. Pay close attention to the base of the tail, under the legs, around the neck, and the belly. Use a fine-toothed flea comb to carefully comb through all of the fur from root to end.
Check your pets bed for the little crawlers and for tiny, white eggs. Also check sofas, chairs, rugs, and anywhere else your pet likes to relax.