Pest Entry: Fleas will attach themselves to a variety of hosts including cats, dogs, humans, chickens, mice, rabbits, and other animals. They are often seen in homes with pets, especially in-door/out-door pets like cats and dogs. After the fleas have attached themselves to a host animal, the animal may come inside bringing the fleas with it. The fleas will feed on the host animal, often causing itchy or irritated skin, and then lay eggs on the host’s fur.

Environment: Most biting insects like fleas need a host to survive. This means they can survive a variety of environments but are often found in moderate climates.

Reproduction: Fleas will often lay their eggs directly on the host animal, but these eggs will eventually fall off. These dropped eggs often lead to infestations in various areas around a home. Eggs hatch within 14 days, and the larvae hide in cracks and crevices around the home. Larvae will often feed for an average of two weeks before beginning the pupation process. The pupation process will also last around two weeks, with adult fleas emerging from the cocoon looking for a new host.

Health Concerns: Humans and pets that are subjected to flea bites will have itchy, irritated skin and will scratch frequently. Some people are allergic to fleas, and bites can mean more than just irritated skin. Fleas are also known to carry diseases like Tularemia and Typhus which are dangerous to humans.