The Fleas Life Cycle

Those who own pets will be familiar with the problems that fleas can cause. Fleas are not choosy, they will feed off dogs and cats, ferrets and rabbits, and, of course, people, when the need arises. Despite their annoying nature, fleas are fascinating bugs.

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  1. A flea life cycle is broken down into four parts: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Adults lay eggs on the host, which then fall into the environment. When the eggs hatch into larvae, they lurk around, eating, and after a few episodes of moulting, they spin a cocoon and turn into pupae. Finally, a chrysalis opens and out come adult fleas, which then look for a host animal to feed on. Under optimal conditions, this process will take about three weeks.
  2. Although the process sounds simple, the flea life cycle is very hard to break and end. Fleas are very tough creatures. Most of the available treatments will kill adult fleas, but it is much harder to get rid of the eggs and pupae in particular. For Pest Control Essex, visit a site like BPC, a leading Pest Control Essex firm.

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  1. During an infestation of fleas, treatment just put on your pet is not effective. It is important to consider the surroundings as well as it is where the eggs and pupae can be found lurking. They will be on the carpet, among the floorboards and everywhere our pets spend time.
  2. Fleas don’t have to feed for a long time. Studies have shown that pupae can live in their cocoon for up to one year. As adults, they must feed regularly but can, if they must, go for between one to two weeks without a feeding of blood!