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By Geoffrey English
Fleas are nasty little creatures. There are over 2,000 types of fleas, and many of these types have been associated with the spread of plague. In fact, the Great Plague that stormed across Europe in medieval times were attributed by many to adult fleas feeding on infected rodents, and then feeding on humans; spreading the plague quickly from region to region. Today, particularly in the Southwestern United States, plague is still a problem, and is transmitted by fleas in exactly the same way that it was hundreds of years ago.
Fleas are also known to cause more than 60% of allergens in a particular environment. Humans are allergic to flea bites, but dogs are even more so. Flea bites often become irritated, and cause a dog to scratch and bite. If a severe infestation exists, a dog may bite or scratch at affected areas until they become raw or even bleed. This in turn can lead to infections and abscesses.
Fleas can transmit parasites as well, especially tapeworms, which dogs are highly susceptible to. Sometimes, a human child can be infested by tapeworms through swallowing a flea that is carrying an pre-adult stage worm. If this isnt enough to disgust and nauseate you, then consider that fleas, especially larvae or pupae, eat primarily feces. Although this can include pet feces, it usually means feces from adult fleas. Adult fleas eat debris and feces, and take about 10-15 blood meals per day from their host or hosts.
For these reasons, flea control is essential. The most effective way to achieve flea control is through prevention. Eradicating an established colony of fleas is quite difficult and time consuming, so it is best to avoid them from ever developing to that stage. Understanding the flea life-cycle will aid in comprehension of correct methods for prevention, control, and eradication.
Adult Fleas
Adult fleas are very thin: they have large hind legs that produce powerful jumping ability, and a long proboscis that draws blood from its host. The flea is compressed laterally in order to move through hair and on skin with little chance of being detected. Adult fleas lay up to 50 eggs per day on their host, and will spend most of their adult life on the same host, unless dislodged. The eggs generally fall off the pet, and accumulate in areas where the pet lives.
Larvae
Eggs hatch in 2-6 days. The resulting larvae stay close to the site where they hatched, feeding on feces left behind by adults. The larvae are negatively phototactic, and avoid the sunlight. This is why larvae will chiefly be found in dark areas, such as under cushions, deep in carpet fibers, and behind or under furniture.
Pupae
Larvae form their own cocoons by secreting a sticky substance from their bodies, and by collecting dust and debris around them. When they emerge from the cocoon as an adult flea, they will immediately begin looking for a meal.
There are many products on the market today to control fleas. These include once-a-month pills that render eggs unable to hatch, collars that broadcast control toxins, and baths in chemicals that eliminate adult fleas and prevent eggs from hatching. Some products are combination products in that they treat fleas, heartworm, and other parasites. Consult with your veterinarian to see which is best for your pet. Vacuuming regularly also plays an important role in flea prevention, as this removes a large percentage of eggs from carpeting and other pet areas.
Flea prevention is easybut flea eradication is difficult. This often includes spraying ones home with chemicals, treating the yard or outbuildings with insecticide, and destruction of pet items such as bedding and toys. Often, two or three treatments are required to eradicate an established population. Insecticide of this nature is toxic to animals and humans, and treated areas must be avoided for up to several days.
They may be tiny, but they can cause large problems. If you havent already, start a flea prevention program today.
About the Author: Geoffrey A. English is the Founder of GundogsOnline.com, the internet’s premiere online magazine dedicated to
hunting dogs
. Visit their site for more information on training bird dogs and
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Tri-tronics and SportDOG Source: isnare.com
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