Why Fleas Are Bad
WouterFleas are pests that primarily affect animals, but can be brought into the home by humans. They are easy to pick up from pets and can become an infestation quickly. Fleas can breed rapidly, laying up to 50 eggs a day. Once inside a home, fleas can cause discomfort for both pets and humans.
Fleas are small, flightless insects of the Siphonaptera order. Their life cycle involves feeding on the blood of their host. They do not fly but rely on their powerful back legs to jump up to 50 times their body length. As a result, they can cause itching and irritation.
Fleas can live in temperatures as low as 33 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s important to prevent infestations. Fleas will live in your pets’ fur for up to five days. Fleas also live in your home’s crawl space. Fleas can lay their eggs and pupae for a year.
While you may see one flea on a pet, the majority of the flea population in your home is hidden and unnoticed. Fleas are a pest that can multiply quickly, so you should take steps to prevent them from spreading to other areas. Fleas can cause severe problems for your pets.
Fleas lay eggs in carpets, furniture, and crawlspaces. They also can be brought into your home on shoes and pets. They can be picked up by other animals such as mice and squirrels. Fleas are extremely efficient reproductive machines. They can lay up to 3,000 eggs in their lifetime.
