Where Do You Get Fleas From?
WouterFleas are a common nuisance for pet owners, but they’re often hard to spot. It can be difficult to know exactly where they come from, since the infestation can occur suddenly. In a recent Dodo article, veterinarians Dr. Jamie Richardson and Robin K. Moore explained where fleas can be found on a pet.
Fleas are insects with flat bodies and powerful legs. They can jump more than 100 times their own height to attach to a host animal. They then migrate to places where the animal can’t scratch, like joints and under limbs. Once attached to a pet, fleas will lay eggs and hatch.
Fleas can be killed with insecticide sprays. Spray the affected area where you think fleas are most likely to hide. Then, allow a few hours for the spray to work. You can speed up the process by opening a window to allow the spray to dry more quickly. Moreover, you can kill fleas with a mixture of diatomaceous earth and baking soda.
Adult fleas are reddish brown and an eighth of an inch in length. Their flat bodies are designed to live on the fur of their hosts. They have strong claws on their legs and back legs, and their mouths are specialized for sucking blood. Adult fleas can live for months without eating blood, but a blood meal is necessary for them to lay their eggs.
