Why Do Fleas Turn White When They Die?
WouterIf you’re worried about fleas, you may wonder why they turn white when they die. The larvae are the flea’s most vulnerable stage and are most likely to gather in areas where they’re easy to access, such as bedding and carpets. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to prevent an infestation by washing bedding in hot water, and vacuuming the floor can help get rid of fleas and their eggs. However, vacuuming alone will not eliminate fleas, as the larvae can hide within carpet fibres.
Flea larvae need high humidity and moderate temperatures to develop. They’re naturally attracted to dark, moist areas. They typically develop in baseboards, deep carpet piles, and floor cracks. They can also develop in sandy soil, under bushes, and under houses. They may also develop in water, which could make them drown.
Once larvae hatch, they’ll complete the three larval instars, which range in size from 3 to five millimeters. The larvae don’t have eyes and legs, and their body color is maggot-like. They feed on the feces of fleas, as well as other organic matter. They will remain in the cocoon for up to a year before they emerge as an adult flea.
Adult fleas are about an eighth of an inch long, and are red-brown in color. They have three pairs of legs, with the last pair of legs being large and adapted for jumping. Adult fleas can hold as much as 100 immature fleas. If your pet seems to be anemic, you may find specks on its fur. These are traces of dried blood that will turn brown when it’s rehydrated.
