Fleas

Flea Appearance

Fleas are small wingless parasites that feed off of warm-blooded animals. Because they live off of blood, fleas are typically introduced into your home attached to a person or pets. Adult fleas are typically between 1/16 inch to 1/6 inch long and appear reddish brown in color. They are fairly noticeable to the naked eye and you can occasionally see them jumping from one host to another.

How Fleas Travel

Fleas cannot fly, however they can jump long distances, anywhere from 6-8 inches vertically and 14-16 inches horizontally. This makes pets especially prone to fleas because they’re closer to the ground. Fleas also prefer long fur making your cats and dogs the perfect host.

Development Stages of The Flea

Female fleas can lay 4-8 eggs at a time and up to 400-500 in their lifetime. Flea eggs do not need to attach to a host and are usually found on the ground. Typically within 2 days the eggs hatch and develop into larvae which resemble maggots. Larvaes are usually on the ground in cracks and crevices and are less noticeable. The larvae stage can last anywhere between 4-18 days after which they enter their pupa stage and encase themselves in a cocoon making them more resistant to certain treatments. This stage can last anywhere from 3 days to 20 weeks after which they emerge as adult fleas.

Learn more about fleas:

• Do I have fleas in bed?
• How to get rid of fleas

Flea Facts:

• 1/16" to 1/6" long.

• Reddish brown in color.

• Can jump 14-16 inches horizontally and 6-8 inches vertically.

• Dite consists of the blood of warm-blooded animals.

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