FLEAS 101
Flea Life Cycle
Adult fleas can hitch a ride on anything or anybody that comes into your home. They prefer furry mammals
but humans will do. Seeing one flea doesn’t mean you have an infestation. Fleas stay if the environment is
right.
1. As parasites they are attracted to animals who are already weakened. This sounds dramatic but it could be a
simple as a pet with other allergies, raw skin, a cold or just stressed from changes in their lives. I have had
dogs all my life but fleas happen only once in a while. So I find it is worth a look around to see if one of my
pets is under the weather.
2. Adult fleas live 3-4 weeks. They lay hundreds of eggs. They lay eggs on any surface which collects dirt; a
crack in the floor boards, the baseboards, any fabric, bathrooms, kitchens, under couch cushions, etc.
3. The eggs hatch to become larva. The larvae mature and become pupae. The pupae are resistant to all
methods of flea control. Once the larva have metamorphosed into pupae all you can do is wait until they
hatch. The pupae hatch when there is vibration and heat. Often tenants will see an apartment and then
move in a week later BAM! There are hundreds of fleas biting them. That first visit caused vibration, the heat
is turned on and the pupae are given the signal to hatch out to become adult fleas. No activity and they stay
in limbo for as long as two years.
The Process of getting rid of fleas:
1. Wash everything that can be washed in a washing machine in HOT water with soap
a. It can help to leave it on soak for 10-20 minutes, the combination of soap and hot water will kill
adult fleas.
b. Run stuff through the dryer if you can
2. Vacuum & spray everything and everywhere.
a. Move furniture, vacuum under cushions, on the bottom of your furniture, in every crevice you can
find. The more dirt, dander and dust you get rid of the more effective any spray will be and the more
fleas, larva and pupae you will remove from the house. Vacuum under area rugs and even the back
side of rugs if they are thick
b. Remove vacuum cleaner bags to an out side ca. If it is cloth, be sure to clean it and spray it
thoroughly. Bags will contain eggs, larva and pupae.
c. Spray with a household spray containing permethrin to kill adult fleas and methoprene, a growth
regulating hormone. Zodiac Fleatrol Carpet and Upholstery spray contains both and is available at
Pet Food Express http://www.zodiacpet.com/products/03-sprays.php
d. Other natural products you can try are diatomaceous earth, cedar (I have put cedar shavings under
my couch cushions) or boric acid products like http://www.thehealthypet.com/fleago-p-631.html.
e. Using a commercial rug cleaner is a great way to suck the whole flea family out of you carpet.
f. This company offers products or they will come to you. It is great if you have a lot of carpet. The
product causes the fleas to dehydrate killing them. It is natural and non-toxic. They also make a safe
outdoor product. http://www.fleabuster.com/index.html
3. Give the dog a bath.
a. Before bringing Fido and Felix back into the house give a good bath. Any pet shampoo will do. Wash
once and rinse. Fleas are very good at avoiding the water and soap. Look under the tail, yes they
climb in, so spraying water in the sphincter and urethra may reveal a community of critters. Also
look up the nose, in the ears and eyes.
b. Lather a second time and leave the soap on for 10 minutes before rinsing.
c. If your pet’s skin is raw from itching use a soothing shampoo. Taking care of the skin is the best way
to prevent re-infestation.
4. Do Not treat your yard with chemicals.
a. Chemical Products which kill fleas are toxic to other living creatures like bees who make the flowers
grow year after year. There are lower impact alternatives. Permethrin is a chemically synthesized
Pyrethrum or Chrysanthemum which you could plant in your yard.
b. Here is a good overview of the chemical permethrin
http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/extoxnet/metiram-propoxur/permethrin-ext.html