Fleas

How To Protect Yourself And Your Pets
Fleas
Fleas are small, wingless, dark brown insects. Their thin
bodies allow them to hop, jump and move quickly through hair and
feathers. Fleas are usually brought into the home by dogs, cats or
other furry pets. In order to live and reproduce, they feed off the
blood of humans and animals, such as dogs and cats.
Flea Bites
When fleas bite humans, it can produce a
small red spot with a light-colored center. If an allergic skin
reaction occurs, swelling and blisters may appear. Many dogs and cats
develop allergies to flea saliva. If an animal is having an allergic
reaction to a flea bite, it will scratch or rub its skin until it
becomes raw with sores.
Diseases Spread By Fleas
- Plague: A bacterial disease carried by rodents that is spread through the bite of an infected flea.
- Tapeworm: An intestinal parasite obtained by swallowing an infected flea.
- Murine Typhus: A disease spread by the bite of a rat flea.
Flea Prevention
Prevention
is the best way to control flea bites. Take preventative measures
before flea season begins in spring and summer. Effective products
that control fleas have made flea management on pets without
pesticides possible.
On The Pet:
Several types
of products are available to control fleas on dogs and cats. The most
effective and safest products stop normal growth or reproduction of
fleas. These products cannot be used on their own. Proper
management and sanitation is also needed, such as regular bathing and brushing.
Brush your pet daily and thoroughly with a fine-toothed metal flea comb. Fleas captured on the comb should be dropped into warm soapy water and flushed down the toilet. You may want to ask your veterinarian about flea products for your pet. Do not use products on pets with raw skin or open sores. If you notice skin irritation or an allergic reaction, consult your veterinarian.
Indoor Control:
Thoroughly vacuum floors, carpet,
furniture, crevices around baseboards, cabinets and other infested
areas at least every other day. Vacuum and wash pet bedding, as fleas
are most common where pets sleep. Throw away vacuum bag in a sealed
plastic bag after use because fleas can develop inside.
Outdoor Control:
Outdoor fleas live in coastal areas and
other places with moderate temperatures and fairly high humidity.
Outdoor sprays are not needed unless you think there is a large number of adult fleas. Apply sprays directly in areas where pests rest such as dog houses, kennels and under decks. Be sure to follow the label instructions carefully.
If chemical control is needed, you should consult your veterinarian for your pet's safety.
Flea Hiding Places
It is important to reach places where
fleas like to hide when sanitizing and treating. Fleas lay tiny white
eggs on the pet, that drop off and hatch where pets spend most of
their time. Such indoor areas can be under a chair, on a rug or the
pet's bedding.
The Flea Life Cycle
- Eggs: Fleas can lay up to 50 eggs each day. These eggs drop off wherever the host spends time, such as on furniture, carpet, or pet bedding.
- Larvae: In 1-10 days, tiny worm-like larvae hatch from the eggs. To avoid sunlight, they crawl into dark, low-traffic areas, often deep in carpeting below furniture.
- Pupae: Larvae start spinning small, sticky white cocoons built with carpet fibers, dust and dirt. In ten days they become adults.
- Young Adults: Young adults remain in their cocoons until they find a nearby host.
- Adults: They bite and suck blood in order to live and reproduce.
For More Information
On Fleas Or Other Vectors Contact: (858) 694-2888 vector@sdcounty.ca.gov | ![]() |