The irritating, biting insect known as a flea can make both you and your pet unhappy. Worldwide, more than 2,000 varieties of fleas have been found. The life of the flea ranges from 14 days to 2 years. Humidity and warmth aid in the egg-laying process, while hot, dry periods help with the population of adult fleas. While conditions during the summer months make it easy for the flea to breed, once the weather changes, fleas like to overwinter in your home.

Fleas are athletes. They can jump up to 8 inches vertically and 16 inches horizontally. With this athletics, they can enter your residence even if your pets never visit the outside world. They can get on your pants, socks and blankets or maybe bring home a new pet. Fleas also like other animals, such as squirrels, rabbits, ferrets, and some other warm-blooded creatures.

There are four life stages of the flea. These stages are the egg, larvae, pupae and adult and I have outlined them below.

Egg stage:

The female flea can lay 20 to 40 eggs per day, and the eggs hatch in 1 to 10 days.

Larval stage:

Once the larvae hatch, they seek out a dark spot and feed on flea debris and debris. They moult at least twice and spin cocoons and pupate. This stage lasts 5 to 10 days.

Pupa stage:

The pupae spend 8-9 days in their cocoons developing into adults, waiting for signs that it is time to emerge from the cocoon. This stage can last 174 days!

Adult stage:

Once the flea finds a host, aka your pet, it leaves the cocoons, finds a mate, and the party starts all over again. If your pet does not have flea protection, an adult flea can live on them for up to 3 months.

Flea protection isn’t just for your pet. It’s for you and your home too. So how to protect yourself?

Frontline flea and tick protection is your first line of defense. It is the #1 flea and tick product recommended by veterinarians. Frontline offers a range of products to meet the needs of your pet. From monthly applications to Frontline spray for pets that can be used as needed. This product can be used on all animals from 8 weeks of age, regardless of type or size. Which means you can use it on your kitty and your big dog.

Daily vacuuming is a must for your home. Proper disposal of waste is very important. Empty garbage into a plastic bag, seal it, and remove the bag from your home. You also need to wash your pet’s bedding with hot, soapy water and spray the areas where it lies down. Again, Frontline spray can be used for this purpose.

Don’t forget the patio! If your neighbor’s dog has fleas, you probably have fleas in your yard. Keeping the lawn mowed and spraying the edge of your garden will help keep things under control. It has also been noted that a specific herb, Pennyroyal, planted around your home and your pets’ kennels can also help control fleas.

Flea control is an ongoing problem for most pet owners. Staying ahead of the game is the goal!