Summertime brings us all sorts of insect problems, not the least being the potential for massive flea infestations. The reason that fleas are so much of a problem in the summer months especially is that populations thrive in temperatures between 75- and 90-degree temperatures with 75 percent humidity. Months of greatest development are June through September. Most flea infestations are from cat fleas although dogs and other birds and animals and humans may also be victims. After much needed blood meals, the female flea can lay 8 to 10 eggs on the animal which easily fall off as the animal moves, jumps or runs. Fleas are designed to travel through the hair of their victims quickly until they find the perfect spot to feed.
Fleas are certainly amazing insects. Did you know that a flea can take 15 times its body weight in blood per day? In doing so the flea can expand its gut 80 times which would be equivalent of a 200-pound man ingesting 3000 pounds of food per day. The flea eliminates waste as dried bits of blood used as food for the flea larvae until they finish their life cycle. Fleas can also jump 50 times their height that would compare to a 6-foot man jumping 300 feet. Fleas can be responsible for allergies, anemia, tapeworms and distress in humans and can even transmit heartworm in dogs.
Although fleas are interesting creatures, they are still insect pests and enemies of animals and man. The number one way to control a flea population is to talk to your veterinarian about treatment options for your pet. The second line of defense is to eliminate harborage where fleas can live and develop. Finally, pesticide treatments may be necessary to get the infestation under control or eliminate the flea infestation.