These tiny pests take “icky” to a whole new level. From blood gorging to disease transmission, read on for gross facts you probably never wanted to know about fleas!
[su_number_list]
-
1
There are more than 2,000 species of fleas, 300 of which are found in the United States.
-
2
The species commonly found on pets in North America is called Ctenocephalides felis, or the cat flea, and can grow up to 1/8″ long.
-
3
Fleas can jump up to 8″ vertically — that’s 150 times their body length!
-
4
Female fleas can consume up to 15 times their body weight in blood.
-
5
Female fleas lay eggs within 48 hours of their first meal.
-
6
A female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, or 2,000 during her lifetime.
-
7
A flea’s life cycle typically lasts about 21 days — starting as an egg and growing into an adult — but warm weather can speed up that process.
-
8
Fleas can live on your pet for up to two months.
-
9
They don’t just live on your pet — flea eggs and pupae can burrow in your carpet, couch, and car.
-
10
Fleas can transmit diseases that affect humans, the most common being the bacteria that causes cat scratch fever.
-
11
They can also transmit parasites, the most common being tapeworm.
-
12
Flea bites cause irritation, itching, and dermatitis.
-
13
Severe infestations can make your pet extremely sick and cause anemia.
[/su_number_list]
The good news is that fleas can be prevented with a year-round medication. Talk to your veterinarian about a preventative recommendation to keep your pet happy and flea-free.
