What are fleas?
Fleas are small wingless insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. They are external parasites, meaning they live on the outside of their hosts. There are over 2,000 different species of fleas, but the ones that most commonly affect dogs and cats are the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) and the dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis). Fleas are small, usually measuring 1-4 mm in length, but they can make life very uncomfortable for both pets and their owners. Their bites can cause itching, irritation and even infection. An infestation of fleas in a home can be difficult to control, but there are a number of effective treatment options available.
The flea life cycle
Fleas go through four distinct life cycle stages:
| Egg | Adult female fleas lay eggs on an animal host. The eggs fall off into the environment where they hatch into larvae. |
| Larvae | The larvae feed on organic debris for 5-10 days before spinning a protective cocoon and entering the pupal stage. |
| Pupa | The pupal stage lasts 5-10 days. Adult fleas emerge when conditions are right and jump onto a host for a blood meal. |
| Adult | Adult fleas live on animal hosts and feed on blood for 2-3 weeks. Females lay up to 50 eggs per day. |
The entire life cycle can take as little as 2 weeks under ideal conditions. The pupal stage is resistant to insecticides, so flea infestations can persist even after treating pets. Breaking the flea life cycle is key to getting rid of an infestation.
Signs of a flea infestation
Some signs that your pet may have fleas include:
- Itching and scratching, especially around the base of the tail
- Small dark specks of dried blood or flea dirt on the skin and fur
- Bald patches or hair loss from scratching
- Red irritated skin from bites
- Fleas visible in the fur or on bedding
You may also notice fleas jumping onto your ankles or legs. Flea infestations left untreated can lead to anemia and skin infections in pets. Catching an infestation early makes treatment easier.
How to get rid of fleas fast
Getting rid of a flea infestation requires attacking all stages of the flea life cycle. Integrated pest management using multiple products and methods is the fastest way to get rid of fleas.
Treat pets
All pets in the household should be treated with a veterinarian-recommended flea control product. Some options include:
- Oral/topical spot-on treatments like Frontline, Advantage II, NexGard
- Flea collars containing insecticides
- Flea shampoos, dips, sprays
- Flea combs to manually remove live fleas
Follow all label instructions carefully. Treat all pets even if only one is showing signs of fleas.
Treat the home
In addition to treating pets, you must treat the home environment thoroughly:
- Vacuum all floors, crevices and furniture to remove eggs, larvae and flea dirt
- Wash all pet bedding in hot water
- Use an insecticide spray registered for indoor flea control
- Use insect growth regulators which prevent flea larvae from developing
- Consider hiring a professional exterminator for severe infestations
Be sure to follow all label safety directions when using insecticides inside.
Treat yards
Fleas living outdoors can reinfect treated pets. Use sprays, granules or spot treatments labeled for flea control in yards:
- Apply to grass, under decks, around kennels and other areas pets frequent
- Treat on a dry day and do not allow pets in treated areas until dry
- Retreat every 1-2 weeks until fleas are gone
This eliminates the source of future reinfestations.
Continue monitoring
It can take several weeks to fully clear a flea infestation. During treatment:
- Check pets and comb for live fleas daily
- Continue washing bedding weekly
- Vacuum thoroughly and dispose of the bags
- Retreat pets and premises if fleas persist
Consistent and thorough treatment will get rid of fleas as quickly as possible. Prevent future infestations by using flea control products throughout flea season.
Natural remedies
Some natural methods can be used in conjunction with other treatments. However, natural remedies alone may not be powerful enough to control heavy infestations.
Essential oils
Some essential oils may help repel and kill fleas:
- Apply lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint or citrus oil to the fur
- Add oils to pet shampoo or water for bathing
- Mix oils with water in a spray bottle and mist bedding
Only use high quality, pure essential oils and follow safety precautions. Always test oils on a small area of the pet’s skin first.
Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that can kill fleas by dehydrating them:
- Apply a fine layer to carpets and allow to sit overnight before vacuuming up
- Rub carefully into pet fur, avoiding eyes and nose
- Sprinkle outdoors in grass or dirt
Wear a dust mask when applying diatomaceous earth. Reapply after rain or watering grass.
Flea combs and traps
Flea combs can help remove live adult fleas from pets. Flea traps with a small light and sticky pads can also catch adult fleas, but are less effective for large infestations. Both should be used along with other control methods.
When to call the vet
Contact your veterinarian if:
- Flea products do not seem to be working
- Your pet has signs of an allergic reaction to fleas
- You pet seems weak, lethargic or severely itchy
- Skin infections, hot spots, hair loss or other problems develop
The vet can recommend alternative flea products or treatments if needed. Pets with flea allergies may require prescription medications for relief.
Flea prevention
Once fleas have been eliminated, take steps to prevent future infestations:
- Treat pets year-round with veterinarian-approved flea control
- Groom pets regularly and check for fleas
- Clean and vacuum pet areas frequently
- Wash all pet bedding weekly
- Consider preventive treatments of your home and yard
- Keep grass mowed and remove brush/debris where fleas can live
Catching and treating fleas early before they multiply and infest the home is ideal. Talk to your veterinarian about safe, effective flea control products to keep your pets flea-free.
Conclusion
Flea infestations can be difficult to manage but treating all pets, the home and yard at the same time provides the fastest control. Veterinarian-recommended on-animal flea treatments together with thorough vacuuming, washing of bedding and insecticide use in the home and yard work best to break the flea life cycle. Monitor pets closely during and after treatment and continue prevention year-round. Natural remedies can provide some additional benefit but may not be sufficient on their own in heavy infestations. Contact your veterinarian if fleas persist despite aggressive treatment. Staying vigilant and diligent with flea control will get rid of current infestations and prevent future ones from taking hold.