Fleas are a disease-spreading parasite that attack and feed on humans, rodents and pets. Fleas require blood to survive and typically thrive in environments with high humidity and vibration. In a home, these areas can often include carpets, floorboards, soil or animal fur. There are over 2,000 species of fleas but the most common type is the cat flea, which can be found of both cats and dogs.
Flea populations build rapidly. One flea can lay hundreds of eggs that can hatch in as little as 2-14 days. If eggs are laid in a condition that is not considered ideal for hatching, they may also stay dormant in the pupa stage for up to a year. As with any parasite, fleas present a serious health risk to both humans and animals and can carry all kinds of diseases. Flea infestations should be taken seriously and treated as soon as possible.
