How long do fleas live without a host? Do fleas bite humans? You may have a lot of questions concerning these small pests, so here’s what Arlington residents should know about the lifecycle of the flea, what attracts fleas, how to get fleas out of your home, and how pest control in Arlington can help you get rid of fleas for good.
The Lifecycle Of The Common Flea
The lifecycle of the flea can play a large role in how they infest homes. There are four major stages that fleas in Arlington go through, including:
- Egg: A flea’s life cycle starts when an adult flea drinks from a host and lays her eggs. Fleas can only reproduce if they’ve got enough blood to do so, but an adult flea can lay up to forty eggs per day when fed. Fleas like to lay their eggs on their host, which is why they prefer drinking from animals. This allows them to lay tiny, white eggs into the animal’s fur. These eggs may fall off the host as they move around, which allows fleas to disperse throughout the home that they’re infesting. Depending on environmental conditions, flea eggs can take as long as two weeks or as little as two days to hatch.
- Larvae: Once the eggs hatch, fleas turn into larvae, which is the next stage of a flea’s life. When they first come out of the egg, flea larvae are white and transparent without any legs. Larvae are blind and can’t bite the host on their own yet, and will usually stay in this stage of life for anywhere from five to twenty days.
- Pupae: To prepare for adulthood, flea larvae will spin and enter cocoons, which brings them into the pupae stage. While the flea develops, the cocoon protects them from outside environmental factors. Fleas will remain in the pupae stage until they sense the clear presence of a host that they can feed on. A flea pupae may emerge from its cocoon if they hear a pet walking by or feel their body heat.
- Adult: The final stage of a flea’s life is adulthood. This happens once they emerge from the cocoon to feed. Adult fleas have small, flat bodies and powerful hind legs, which allow them to jump close to a hundred times their height.
Once an adult flea has a host to feed on, it can begin laying eggs within a few days and start the life cycle all over again.
Are You Accidentally Attracting Fleas?
Fleas are attracted to the same basic elements: darkness, warmth, hosts, and carbon dioxide. These things signal that there’s a host nearby, and fleas may have a chance to feed.
Most of the time, you attract fleas by entering an area that already has fleas in it. If you take your pet for a walk in tall grass or weeds, fleas may jump onto your dog and hitch a ride until they end up in your home.
You can also attract fleas indirectly with other pests. If a flea-infested rodent enters your home, this could jumpstart a flea infestation in your house.
How To Get Fleas Out Of Your House
When it comes to how to kill fleas in your home and prevent future problems, here are some quick tips to keeping these pests away:
- If you have pets, make sure you’re treating them all-year-round for fleas, even if they don’t go outside frequently.
- Avoid areas with tall grass or low-hanging tree branches when walking pets outside, as these can be frequent hiding spots for fleas.
- Wash pet bedding and other items regularly as well as vacuuming your carpet.
- Regularly inspect pets for signs of fleas after baths or with a comb.
- Avoid drawing wildlife and rodents close to your home by storing food properly and keeping a tight lid on trash cans.
- Maintain your lawn by mowing regularly and trimming tree branches and shrubs to eliminate areas that could be harboring fleas.
While you can prevent fleas, an existing infestation often requires help from a professional pest control company.
No More Fleas In Your Arlington Home
When it comes to getting rid of fleas at home, the most effective way to combat these pests is by contacting the pros at All Seasons Pest Control. Our experienced specialists can rid your home of fleas permanently.
If you suspect you may have fleas or there’s a large population on your property, there’s only one thing to do – contact us today at All Seasons Pest Control to learn more about total home pest control in Arlington.
