Basics Of Effective Flea Protection

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Fleas are disgusting little creatures. But, they're common. If you own a dog or cat, you'll likely experience fleas firsthand sooner or later. During the summer months when the weather is warm, fleas can become unbearable. If you don't take measures to prevent their spread, your pet can eventually cause an infestation in your home. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help ensure that you, your family and your pet are protected from a veritable flea onslaught.

The Life Of A Flea

Flea protection begins with exploring a flea's life cycle. Typically, a flea will pounce upon your dog or cat outside. When your pet comes back into your house, it carries the flea. While the flea hangs onto your pet, it feeds. Then, it lays eggs. Often, hundreds of eggs. Eventually, these eggs drop from your dog or cat onto the floor of your home. After a few days, the eggs hatch, producing larvae.

Larvae begin feeding on the droppings of other fleas in your home. It takes a week to fully develop. Once it does, it encases itself into a cocoon. A new flea emerges and immediately begins to hunt for blood. Fleas can live between 4 weeks and 18 months.

Action Steps For Flea Protection

Now, how do you control them? Understanding how a flea is born and develops sheds light on protecting your household from them. First, if you notice fleas in your home, you need to vacuum the floors. Doing so lifts your pet's hair from the ground as well as flea eggs and the cocoons (from which adult fleas will eventually emerge). Keep in mind that the eggs will still be in the vacuum bag. You need to discard it. Next, use an insecticide on your dog or cat. If you're doing this after an infestation has already occurred, discard your pet's bedding.

Living Flea-Free

Fleas are a fact of life. But, infestations can be controlled. Most people don't take the necessary steps to prevent them from happening. Even worse, they don't adequately clean their homes afterwards. So, eggs are still embedded in their pet's bedding and the carpet. Flea protection requires that you clean thoroughly. In doing so, you'll do you and your pet a favor.