Fleas carry disease and are often found feeding on pets, lurking around the yard and in the home. More specifically is the cat flea or ctenocephalides felis, which is a specific species well-known for feeding on animals and humans. The wingless insect is attracted to pets where there is the protection of warmth and shelter for breeding. Their bites, however, can make some pets sick because of an allergic reaction to the flea's saliva which can cause severe skin irritation. Humans are also a target of the flea's bite, which are noted as small, red, itchy bumps often found on the ankles and legs.
An adult flea is a mere 1/16th inches in length and is a dark reddish-brown with a flat-shaped body that has a hard shell with short hairs and spines. Their six long legs allow them to jump far distances, while their mouths can pierce and suck blood from their host.
Their young are a ¼ inch white worm or larvae, with dark heads. Larvae are night insects that do not like light and are found hiding along baseboards, on furniture, and in carpets.
Female fleas deposit as many as 50 eggs a day when temperatures are ideal. Eggs hatch into larvae that feast on partially digested blood until they molt and pupae into an adult. Adults remain in the cocoon until a suitable host is heard by vibrations close by to begin the life-cycle once again.
Controlling fleas and their larvae without introducing chemicals to the home or pets is a must for many homeowners.
Keep pet sleeping areas clean by washing bedding in hot water weekly. If pets are prone to sleeping in your bed, be sure to wash bedding and avoid allowing your animals to sleep there.
If a flea infestation in your home is already a concern, keep pets from entering rooms where the pests are a problem.
Vacuum your home and pet's sleeping area weekly to reduce fleas and their larvae. Be sure to empty the vacuum canister into a sealed container before disposing of it.
Invest in an herbal pet shampoo specifically designed for killing fleas and comb through their fur to dispose of the pests.
Invest in a collar and apply essential herbal oils such as lemongrass and lavender that repel fleas to the collar.
If fleas are a problem in the yard because of shady areas, apply beneficial nematodes in the soil to kill their larvae before they become adults.
.
