Fleas are a parasitic insect, 94% of fleas feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals. Adult fleas are generally found on furniture, bedding, in the yard or hidden behind protected areas such as baseboards. If your pet scratches chronically it may be a sign of an infestation. Treating your pet directly is not enough. Your home must also be treated inside and out to prevent future infestations.
Fleas lay between 300-800 eggs in a 21 day gestation period. Eggs may fall off the host causing infestations to be greater in areas frequented by the host. Fleas live for a year on average and have been known to spread diseases such as Typhus and the Plague. This is largely due to the fact that over 75% of flea species are associated with Rodents.
Fleas are known to carry many diseases, so continuous irritation of the skin maybe a sign that the host has fleas. It is important to make sure that any persons or pets that show sings of being infected and checked by a doctor. Do not let any pets roam into densely wooded areas, if so check fur for any fleas, the same for people before entering the home. Clean sheets, pillows, cloths and other fabrics and textiles to help minimize the possibility of an infestation and the likelihood of spreading it. If in infestation does occur treatment of the house and hosts are necessary.
