Fleas might be tiny, but they’re remarkably good at surviving and spreading. During the warmer months they only become more prevalent as their breeding accelerates. While they’re easy to dismiss as a small pet problem, they can infiltrate your home easily and suddenly turn into an infestation you can’t rid yourself of.
That’s why prevention is often easier than dealing with a full-blown infestation. Read on to discover some of the most surprising facts about fleas, how infestations can take hold, and what steps you can take to help protect both your pet and your home.
5 flea facts every pet owner should know
1. 95% of a flea infestation won’t be on your pet
Actively avoiding light, they burrow deep into carpets, bedding, sofas and cracks in flooring. They thrive in warm, humid environments which accelerates their breeding cycle.
2. Female fleas can drink more than 15 times their body weight in blood every day
Fleas are remarkably efficient feeders. Female fleas need frequent blood meals to produce eggs, which helps infestations grow quickly once they've become established.
3. A single flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day
This can add up to more than 1,500 eggs during her lifetime. In warm conditions, those eggs can rapidly develop into a vicious cycle and an infestation if not dealt with quickly.
4. Fleas are extraordinary jumpers
Despite being only a few millimetres long, some flea species can jump around 50 times their body length, making them among the best jumpers in the animal kingdom relative to their size. They achieve this with a spring-like resin called resilin, which stores energy and releases it like a catapult.
5. Fleas are great at the waiting game
Pupae can remain dormant for months inside protective cocoons. When met with warmth, vibration or carbon dioxide, they’ll spring to life and begin their lifecycle.
Fleas are most active in summer - here’s how you can prevent them
Flea numbers typically rise during the warmer months as the conditions accelerate their breeding cycle. Unfortunately a small flea problem can transform into a much larger issue.
As we know from the facts above, female fleas can lay up to 50 eggs a day, and the larvae can hide away in your carpets, bedding and otherwise for months. Even if you spot them on your pet, it’s more likely they’re already hiding away in your home.
The best way to avoid an infestation is to prevent fleas before they take hold. Itch’s monthly flea treatment helps protect cats and dogs for up to 30 days, while personalised doses are delivered straight to your door so you never miss an application. Combine it with Itch’s Flea House Spray to target fleas, eggs and larvae hiding in those crevices around your home.
Get your first month of flea treatment free*
*Offer applies to first box. After delivery of first box, you will be required to pay for all products in any subsequent boxes (including flea treatment) unless you have pre-paid.
**You must cancel subscription before your next billing date to avoid being charged. Please read full terms and conditions.
