Dogs, Cats = fleas

that is the equation but did you know that fleas can bite humans too?

Fleas are much like any other annoying insect, they have to eat. They feed on blood and look for housing where it is warm which is why they live on most animals. Because they can burrow close to the skin and live off the body heat of the animal.

A flea only becomes an adult once it feeds on blood.  After the adult has become an adult it can lay up to 20 or so eggs.

They attach the eggs on the host, and when the host begins to move they fall off, and land on the ground. They usually take around two weeks to hatch.

Once they do hatch they are really sensitive to sunlight which is why they form a cocoon for them to hide in, they also usually do this inside cracks and in corners away from any light.

After another week or so they are ready to come out of their cocoon and eat. They are now adults and once they feed they can lay more eggs and begin the cycle all over again.

However they may stay dormant until a host is near. Usually they will feel the heat from them or the carbon monoxide, which as said earlier are two things they need in order to live.

Fleas can jump up to seven inches vertically and thirteen inches horizontally. They can not fly, but their hind parts are developed specifically for easy movement between hairs, feathers or under clothing.

Their body is well adapted to scratching and is made of a hard surface which protects them from being squashed, so squishing them between two fingers may not do the trick. Although putting them in a fire safe container, and burning them will do wonders. You can also kill them by drowning them.

When a flea bites a host it will cause a itching sensation, and will usually leave a red bump with a center penetration mark. In humans the reaction can be easily dealt with by using an anti itch cream.

With animals the itching can cause loss of hair, some can even have an allergic reaction to the flea saliva and can result in a rash. In some extreme casses it is possible for the animal to become anemic.

Not only is the flea an annoying little bug but it can also be a carrier for desieases like, tape worm, bubonic plaique, and the Murine typhus fever.

A good way for you to get rid of a flea infestation is constant vacuuming, although when finished with vacuuming you should immediately throw away the bag. Because the larva can survive in the vacuum bag, and continue the process in there.

You should consider spraying your home or purchasing a fogger with insecticide to help with the process of killing of the fleas. Give the animal frequent flea baths. Although the bath will kill the fleas on the animal at the time of the bath once it returns near the fleas they will again show up on the animal.

It takes time and patience in order to completely get rid of the fleas but it will happen so be patient and persistent and you will see the end.