Adams Pest Control

RESOURCES: FLEAS

Dog Fleas

Fleas

Dog fleas host on both dogs and rabbits. Like other fleas found in homes, they cause discomfort by biting, but they can also transmit several diseases, such as plague and murine typhus. Dog fleas are found throughout the United States and the rest of the world.

Dog fleas average about 1/8" in length, are somewhat flattened, and wingless. Their color ranges from brownish black to black, but reddish black when full of blood. Female fleas lay 4 to 8 eggs after each blood meal, laying some 400 to 500 eggs during their lifetime. The eggs are not glued or stuck to the hairs or body, but are deposited between hairs, or in the nest or bedding material. Eggs deposited on the animal fall or are shaken off, and are frequently found in cracks and crevices where pets sleep or frequent. They hatch in 1 to 12 days.

Adults usually begin to seek blood on the second day after emergence. Once on a host, they tend to spend all of their time on the host; feeding, mating, and laying eggs, unless removed. Although they prefer dogs and rabbits, they will readily bite and can survive using other species as hosts. Depending on conditions, adults usually live only a few days, because normal dog grooming removes up to 50% or more of the fleas; otherwise, they can survive for several months.

Dog fleas are known to be carriers of the disease organisms that cause both plague and murine typhus. Dog fleas can also serve as a host for the dog tapeworm and the rodent tapeworm. These tapeworms occasionally infest humans, particularly very young children.

It is not necessary to have pets indoors to have fleas present. Fleas can jump about six inches vertically, and can hitch a ride on shoes and clothing. Many who were not aware of just a few adult fleas in their home have returned from vacation to large numbers of fleas. Fleas can be present in homes or buildings that have been vacant for up to six months. Adults can live for months without food.

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Adams Pest Control
(Little Rock Office)
12324 Stagecoach Road
Little Rock, Arkansas 72209
(501) 455-1065
(501) 778-7270
(501) 337-1472
(501) 623-3811
Toll Free: 1 (877) 232-6772