Fleas are pests that truly bring meaning to William Shakespeare’s quote, “mighty things from small beginnings grow.” Even though these pests range from 0.1- to 0.32-centimeters long, they have uncanny capabilities. Not only can fleas jump more than a foot high, but they can do so up to 30,000 times in a row—talk about a workout! They can also lift 150 times their body weight.
These pests are a problem for North Texas homeowners and elsewhere because fleas transmit disease, manifesting as sickness. Not to mention, it’s certainly unsettling to imagine these tiny insects crawling on you as you sleep—and they indeed wait patiently nearby for their hosts to do so.
Read on for more about the lifecycle of fleas in North Texas and the diseases fleas in North Texas can transmit. Find out the natural flea prevention tips for North Texas homes, and learn the tricks to getting rid of fleas in your North Texas home for good.
The Lifecycle Of Fleas In North Texas
Although fleas can live for up to a year and a half in optimal conditions, their average lifespan is anywhere from 30 to 90 days. During this time, fleas undergo four life stages, including egg, larvae, pupa, and adult flea.
Depending on the surrounding conditions, namely temperature and humidity, flea eggs will hatch between one and ten days, becoming larvae.
Flea larvae, which look like C-shaped flecks that are pale or dark in color, are free to move around depending on when they last ate. For five to 20 days, flea larvae will feed on flea dirt, which includes flea excrement and host blood.
When flea larvae are ready, they will spin into a pupa or cocoon. The adult flea will then remain in the cocoon for anywhere from three days to up to a year, waiting for a host before it emerges. If an adult flea cannot find a host within seven days of emerging from its pupa, it will not survive.
The Diseases Fleas In North Texas Can Transmit
There are four common diseases that fleas can transmit in North Texas and elsewhere, which include:
- Flea-borne typhus is transmitted to people via cat fleas.
- Cat-scratch disease is transmitted to people after they are scratched by a cat that has been infected with flea-borne typhus, or if they are scratched, and the wound becomes infected with flea dirt.
- The plague, most commonly transmitted by infected ground squirrel fleas.
Flea-borne parasites, including tapeworms, can also spread to people and their pets if they were to swallow fleas that have been infected accidentally.
Natural Flea Prevention Tips For North Texas Home
Although pest control services are the most effective measure to prevent fleas, there are a few natural flea prevention tips that North Texas homeowners can use. Here are three:
- Frequently wash bedding- because fleas can’t withstand high temperatures, frequently washing bedding, such as comforters, sheets, and pillowcases, can help eradicate existing fleas.
- Vacuum frequently- vacuuming throughout the week can help pick up any fleas that may have been inadvertently brought indoors on luggage, bags, and personal items or a pet’s coat. This can also help to remove other debris, which may attract other pests and flea predators, such as ants, spiders, and centipedes.
- Use essential oils- fleas don’t do well with peppermint, citronella, tea tree, and neem oils. Combine 10 to 20 drops of one of these essential oils with eight ounces of water, mix in a spray bottle, and spray areas around bedding, couches, and other suspected places in the home.
The Trick To Getting Rid Of Fleas In Your North Texas Home For Good
The most effective way to get rid of fleas for good in your North Texas home is with help from local pest control professionals. Adam Song of Adams Exterminating Company has over a decade of industry experience and holds some of the highest industry certifications available.
If you suspect fleas or other pests in your North Texas home, call Adams Exterminating Company today.