Fleas have been around for millions of years, sucking the blood of animals and humans. Fleas live on pets, mammals, in carpets, in sofas as well as other household and farm goods. In a typical room, 5 percent of the fleas will be found on pets, 10 percent flea cocoons in the carpets, 35 percent flea larvae and 50 percent flea eggs again in the carpets. Female Fleas lay eggs that turn in to grub-like larvae. The larvae then develop in to pupae and settle inside a cocoon. They wait for a host to start their life and suck blood. When something warm moves pass by the pupae, they unzip the cocoon and jump on the animal or human body. All this happens in three seconds and the flea can jump as high as four feet.
It is important to get rid of fleas by simple methods as these insects cause serious diseases. Plague, Murine Typhus and Tungiasis are the diseases caused by fleas. Fleas that are lodged on rats, which carry the bacteria, Yersinia Pestis – the bacteria that causes Bubonic plague. Plague is a killer disease and can spread widely. It’s completely curable. Murine Typhus is an infection caused by Rickettsia, R. Typhi. Rat fleas called Xenopsilla Cheopis transmit this. Tungiasis is caused by the Chigger flea, Tungia penetrans, whereby serious damage can be done to the feet as the female species burrow into the feet and breeds there. Their feeding under the skin causes severe infection and irritation. The fleas are removed by surgery. Fleas also transmit Tularemia and tapeworms to humans as well as pets. Other than these diseases, fleas also can cause allergies to both humans and pets.
However, there is no need to worry, as there are many solutions to get rid of fleas. You can take up the responsibility of removing fleas yourself or if the problem is severe and you are not comfortable with dealing with chemicals that may be toxic, then pest control professionals are there to help you in wiping out fleas from your house and surroundings.
Remember that adult fleas, pupae, larvae and eggs – fleas at all stages should be killed to rid your house of them completely. Resistive pupae and larvae grow on to become adult fleas in a few weeks even though the adult fleas are killed. Fleas should be removed from all stages in their life cycle, to protect your family and pets.
There is a Flea website that has more info on flea facts, and everything about fleas, fleas in carpets - rugs, fleas in vehicles, fleas in furniture, fleas on pets, fleas in lawns and yards, natural flea remedies and much more flea information.