5 Facts You Didn’t Know, But Should, About Fleas

Fleas. 

Just saying the word can make you start to itch. The last thing you want for your furry friends is a flea infestation that’s hard to exterminate. Fleas will stop at nothing to survive and infest not just your pets, but your home and your life, too. 

So how much do you really know about fleas? Here are some interesting facts:

Flea "Season" is Year-Round
While technically the spring and summer seasons are known as “flea season” in North America, flea infestations can happen any time, anywhere. It’s just a matter of the right environment for the eggs to hatch. A random warm day in February or the heat from your house can be enough to start and maintain an infestation.

Fleas Are Not Just for Outdoor Pets
Whether your pet lives in the lap of luxury from your couch or likes the adventure of the great outdoors, fleas don’t care where they get to feast on some blood. Fleas can hitch a ride on your shoe and slip right through the front door uninvited.

Fleas Jump Around – Far and Wide
Did you know that fleas can jump up to 200 times their size in order to find a host? To give you some perspective, imagine jumping and being able to touch the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Fleas Lay Their Eggs Lightning Fast
As soon as fleas find a host, they begin to lay the groundwork – and the eggs –  for an infestation. Female fleas can lay around 50 eggs a day and up to 2,000 eggs during their lifespan if left untreated, leaving you with a costly extermination bill.

Flea Bites Cause More Than Just Itchy Problems
They can invite a host of problems for your pet and even yourself! Some diseases that can be transmitted include: rash, tapeworm, flea-borne typhus, and even the bubonic plague.

Add Protecting Your Pets from Fleas on Your "To-Do" List
Whether it’s a monthly chew, a collar, or a topical solution, choosing the best method can be difficult especially when there are many considerations including: geography, breed, age, and type of immune system. Talk to your veterinarian about the best options.