Fleas in Indiana

Identification

• All species of fleas have a similar appearance, though they are not identical. Adult fleas grow to be between two and four millimeters long, on average, and have very thin bodies that allow them to move through hair follicles with ease. Their hind legs are very large, allowing them to jump long distances. A long and slender proboscis, or beak, extends for feeding purposes and is tucked under the body when not in use.

Indiana Flea Season

• Flea season in Indiana begins in May and continues for approximately five months. At this time, fleas are involved in the reproduction process and are most prevalently seen on pets and in the wild. The warm weather of this period is suitable for flea eggs and young fleas. During colder months, only adult fleas are known to survive, and even some adults die when exposed to the elements.

Fleas as Pests

• Fleas are nuisance pests because of certain chemicals found in their saliva. These chemicals stimulate an immune response in mammals that can cause severe cases of itching. When a flea bites a host, its saliva comes into contact with them, thus causing that irritation. As such, they can become a problem for both humans and pets. Veterinary clinics in Indiana will offer the best courses of treatment for pets with fleas. In extreme cases of home infestation, a regional pest control company can be called for extermination treatments.

Flea Eggs

• During flea season, adult fleas mate and reproduce continually. A single female lays between 25 and 40 eggs every day. This equates to more than 2,000 over the course of an adult life. A flea egg is small and white, but heavy for its size. They do not stick to hosts and easily fall off or are shaken off. Finding and removing eggs is one way to help stave off a flea infestation in the home, but they are too small to notice for the most part. Keeping pets clean and well-groomed can mitigate this problem.