Fleas

Fleas are parasites, feeding directly on man or other warm blooded animals. Usually you or your pets serve as these "hosts". A flea can jump 7-8 inches vertically and 14-16 inches horizonyally. A skin reaction to a fleas bite would be a slightly raised, itchy spot. Some dogs and cats can develop an allergic reaction to the flea bite called flea dermatitis. it can cause intense licking, scratching and skin inflammation making your pet very uncomfortable.

The average size of the fleas from 1/12-1/6 of an inch long, being very small and without wings. Their bodies are narrow if you view it from the sides, allowing them for movement in narrow areas. Because their bodies are covered with spines projecting backward, they are difficult to remove by shaking or scratching.

Adults feed on blood, the larvae (looks like a catapillar) eat "flea dirt" which consists of dried blood. After the feeding, the flea will begin mating... starting the vicious all over again..

Fleas go through a complete metamorphosis. There are four distinct stages: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult. Fleas eggs are laid on the host or are deposited on the floor ar ground surface. They are also found in upholstery or pet's bedding. A female flea will continue to lay a few eggs every day until she has reached 200-400 eggs. The larvae aer hard to spot and are found deep into the carpets or the cracks and crevices of floors and upholstry. They are difficult to vacuum, becoming entwined in the carpet fibers. The next stage  called the pupae will look like a cocoon, also hard to spot. No spray will kill flea pupae.. but a vacuum cleaner can pull them up. The flea cycle from egg through the adult stage is generally 30-60 days. It is critical to break the flea cycle as soon as possible.You will need both an insect growth regulator such as "Frontline Plus" (applied to dogs and cats in household) to cut the cycle and a good residual insecticide labeled for flea control to reach the adult stages.

Whenever you see adult fleas crawilng on your pet, it is only a symptom of a much larger problem. Current studies indicate that adult fleas account for only 5% of the total flea population in any given situation. Eggs account for 50%, larvae account for about 35% and the remaining 10% are the pupal cocoons.These various life cycle stages will be found anywhere in the pet's environment, but will be most concentrated in the areas that the pet spends most of it's time. So, areas where the pet sleeps or lies around will have the most eggs. If the pet usually walks through certain paths (either indoors or outdoors) , there will also be a substantial amount of eggs scattered in those areas. What this means is that environmental flea control must be spread over the pet's entire environment, focusing on the areas the pets spends most of his or her time.

The use of insect growth inhibitors and residual insecticides.

Frequently dust, sweep, vacuum (throw out vacuum bag when finished) and mop all surfaces where you aro your pet have ben. Eggs are laid on the pet and drop off as they move..
All affected pets should be treated at this time and removed from the premises for 4 to 6 hours.
Remove birds from the home.
Cover or remove your fish, and turn off the pump.
You should keep covered shoes on until all treated areas have dried (4-6 hours).