The Fleas of Tampa & Plant City, Florida and surrounding areas are small, and dark brown to black in color. They are blood sucking insects that get about 1/16 inch long. Their legs are made for jumping long distances. The fleas mouth is designed to suck blood from a host. There are actually several species of fleas in Tampa & Plant City. The cat flea is the most frequently found flea in our area.
The female flea lays her eggs on the hair or feathers of the host or wherever their habitat might be. The eggs fall from the host onto the ground, floors, bedding or furniture, etc.. They can lay more than 500 eggs over several months, laying 5 to 18 eggs at a time. The eggs hatch within 1 to 12 days after being deposited.
The larva avoids light and will feed on dried adult feces. They will also feed on dead animal parts and other organic material. Within 7 to 14 days, unless food was scarce, the third larval stage is completed and the larva spins a tiny cocoon. After a week or so the adult flea emerges and begins to search for a blood meal. However, fleas are known to remain in a pupal stage anywhere from 5 days to 5 weeks in the absence of a host. Adult fleas will emerge from the pupal stage when vibrations from a pet or human let them know a host is near. So, if you have ever been gone for a week or so, come home and the next day you are being attacked by fleas, this is the reason.
Adult fleas must feed on blood to reproduce. They can live for long periods without feeding, but cannot reproduce without feeding. They usually live and breed where your pets rest. The entire life cycle of a flea can be 2 weeks to 2 years. Hot, wet summers are ideal for egg laying, which makes Tampa & Plant City, and surrounding areas prime breeding ground. Hot, dry periods give maximum adult production. The greatest adult flea populations are produced in August and September.
When treating for fleas you must treat the pets, the home, and the lawn where they play when outdoors. Also vacuuming is very important for removing the eggs and carcasses. You should vacuum before pest control is done and the day after as well. Treating the pet while a profession pest control company is treating your home and yard is recommended. For more information on pest control for Fleas in Tampa, Plant City, & surrounding areas call Safari Pest Control, LLC at 813-703-4673. We are the premiere pest control company in Hillsborough County, Florida. It is a jungle out there!