Table of Contents
Intro to the Four Stages
Each Stage in Detail
How Fleas Find Their Host
How Fleas Spread Diseases
How to Break the Flea Cycle
Other Flea Treatment Remedies
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What is the Flea Lifecycle and How Can You Break It?
- By Dr Zoe Costigan
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- March 4, 2024
- 4 MIN READ
Fleas can turn into a massive headache for us pet owners. Understanding the flea lifecycle is crucial to effectively fighting off infestations and keeping your pets and home flea-free. Here we’ll look into the four stages of the flea lifecycle; egg, larvae, pupae and adult — and explore how you can break this cycle to eliminate these bothersome critters. Let's uncover the secrets of the flea lifecycle and learn how to reclaim a comfortable environment for both you and your furry companions.
Intro to the Four Stages
The flea lifecycle consists of four distinct stages, each with its own characteristics and challenges. These stages are:
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Flea Eggs - Flea eggs are tiny, oval-shaped, and usually white or cream-coloured. They are laid on your pets but often fall off into the environment, making them tricky to spot. These eggs can take time to hatch depending on if they’re dormant or not. Active eggs can hatch in about a week but some may lay dormant for months.
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Flea Larvae - Once flea eggs hatch, they give rise to flea larvae. These tiny, worm-like creatures are blind and avoid light. They feed on organic debris such as flea poo and skin cells, and they thrive in dark and humid environments, such as carpets and bedding.
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Flea Pupae - Flea larvae spin cocoons and develop into pupae. Pupae are well-protected within their cocoons, which are all sticky and help them blend into their surroundings.
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Adult Fleas - The pupae eventually transform into adult fleas. These are the pests that bite and feed on your pets' blood, causing all that discomfort and sometimes transmitting diseases. Adult fleas tend to have a lifespan of around 2-3 months but this can depend on how ideal their living conditions are.
Now, let's take a closer look at each stage and learn how to break the flea lifecycle effectively.
Each Stage in Detail
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Flea Eggs
Flea eggs are laid on your pets and can be tough to spot due to their small size and colour. They can also fall off onto surfaces such as bedding, carpets, and furniture, contributing to infestations. Flea eggs hatch into larvae within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on environmental conditions like temperature and humidity.
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Flea Larvae
Flea larvae emerge from eggs and move away from light, hiding in dark, protected areas. They thrive in warm and humid environments, where they feed on organic debris and develop over the course of several weeks. Hoovering and cleaning your home regularly can help reduce the presence of flea larvae.
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Flea Pupae
Flea pupae spin cocoons around themselves for protection as they transform into adults. The pupal stage is remarkably resilient and can survive from weeks to months in its cocoon. Pupae can be super challenging to eliminate, as they are resistant to many treatments and can emerge when they sense vibrations, heat, or carbon dioxide – signals indicating the presence of a potential host.
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Adult Fleas
Adult fleas emerge from their pupae when they sense the presence of a suitable host, usually your pets or, in some cases, even humans. They are equipped with specialised mouthparts for piercing the skin and feeding on blood (gross!). Adult fleas can lay eggs within a day or two of their first blood meal, beginning the lifecycle all over again.
How Fleas Find Their Host
Fleas possess incredible survival instincts and use various cues to locate their hosts. Here are a few ways the super sleuths find their way to your pets:
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Carbon Dioxide - Fleas are attracted to the carbon dioxide exhaled by animals, including humans. They can detect these breaths from an impressive distance.
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Heat - The warmth emitted by our pets' bodies serves as a beacon for fleas. They can sense and follow heat sources to find their next tasty meal.
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Vibrations - Fleas can detect vibrations, such as movement or footsteps, which indicate the presence of your pets as potential new homes.
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Odours - Fleas can detect the specific odours emitted by animals and use them to locate our pets.
How Fleas Spread Diseases
Fleas are not just nuisances; they can also spread diseases to both pets and humans. Some common diseases associated with fleas include:
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Tapeworms - Fleas can carry tapeworm eggs, which can be ingested by pets during grooming. Once inside, these tapeworm eggs develop into adult tapeworms. Read more here about how to protect your pets from tapeworms.
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Murine Typhus - This bacterial disease can be transmitted to humans through flea bites. It's very rare in the UK but can cause flu-like symptoms and can be serious if left untreated.
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Cat Scratch Disease - Fleas can carry the bacteria responsible for cat scratch disease, which can be transmitted to humans through nasty scratches or bites.
How to Break the Flea Cycle
Breaking the flea lifecycle requires a comprehensive approach that targets all stages of development. Here's how you can do it effectively:
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Treat Your Pets - Use vet-approved flea treatments on your pets to kill adult fleas and prevent eggs from hatching. Itch Flea Treatment for dogs and Itch Flea Treatment for cats kills fleas AND their eggs AND protects your home!
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Regular Grooming - Regularly groom your pets with flea combs to remove adult fleas and to help you closely monitor their overall condition.
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Clean Your Home - Hoover your home thoroughly, paying attention to areas where your pets spend the most time. Wash your pets' bedding and any washable items they come into contact with at 60°C to make sure those blighters are definitely gone!
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Treat the Environment - Use household flea sprays (like Itch Flea Home Spray) specifically designed for home use to target larvae and pupae. Make sure to always follow the directions of use.
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Outdoor Management - If your pets spend time outdoors, treat your garden to reduce the risk of infestations from wildlife being brought inside your home.
Other Flea Treatment Remedies
In addition to traditional flea preventatives, there are alternative remedies that can be used alongside or instead of conventional treatments (but remember - the scientifically proven and vet approved methods are always the best!):
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Diatomaceous Earth - This natural substance can be sprinkled on carpets, bedding, and other areas to dehydrate and kill fleas. Make sure to use food-grade diatomaceous earth.
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Essential Oils - Some essential oils, such as lavender, citronella, and eucalyptus, are believed to repel fleas. However, use them cautiously and always consult your vet, as some essential oils can be harmful to pets.
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Natural Flea Collars - Natural flea collars are infused with essential oils and can help repel fleas. Look for those that are safe and suitable for your pets.
Break the flea life cycle with Itch
Itch Flea treatment is an effective and reliable preventative measure that will protect your pets, family and home. We make sure you never miss a treatment by sending a tailored dose for your pets through your letterbox each month, exactly when you need it! All you need to do is tell us a little about your pet first, plus we'll even give you your first month Itch Flea Treatment for FREE!
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