How Many Fleas is a Lot?
WouterKeeping your home clean and dry can help prevent flea infestations, but there’s no guarantee that fleas won’t come back. Fleas can “hitchhike” into your house on clothing, backpacks, and dogs. And their eggs are everywhere!
A single adult flea can lay up to 2,000 eggs in her lifetime. Female fleas lay these eggs after feeding on the blood of a host animal. They usually lay their eggs in clusters of 20. The eggs rarely stay on the host pet, but instead roll off onto your carpets and lawn. Depending on the amount of food, fleas can live two to three months. Without food, fleas can live as long as 100 days.
Fleas are small, brown bugs with six legs. They can jump up to 30cm. Adult fleas are 1.5 – 4mm long, with a diameter of about five millimetres. Females are slightly larger than males, which are a mere 0.5mm in length.
Fleas live for about a month, although it can last for a little longer depending on temperature and humidity. Fleas prefer warm, moist environments. During this time, they go through a complete metamorphosis. The larval stage of fleas is the most dangerous, since fleas need blood to survive and complete their reproductive cycle.
It’s important to keep up with consistent flea treatments to prevent flea infestations from happening again. And keep vacuuming your home to remove any fleas. In addition to treating your pet, remember to treat your yard as well. Fleas can live for quite a long time and can return to your dog later on. So, make sure to treat your home and yard for fleas on a regular basis, even if it’s cold outside.
