Getting rid of fleas on your cat or dog alone does not resolve the flea problem as only about 5% of fleas are actually living on your pet. The other 95% of fleas (in one stage of the flea life cycle or another) are living somewhere in your home or yard. That is why it is so important to kill the fleas in your home and on your pet at the same time. Follow these easy steps to get rid of fleas.
IDENTIFY
Life cycle
Eggs
Larvae
Pupa
Adult
Life Cycle
Fleas go through metamorphosis. This includes four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The time spent in each stage of life depends on living conditions including but not limited to temperature and humidity.
Eggs
A single female may deposit from 30 to 50 oval-shaped eggs per day. Flea eggs are only about 1/50 inch in diameter and take about 2-10 days to hatch.
Larvae
Flea larvae spin their pupal case with a combination of materials collected in their immediate area, such as fabrics, lint, dust, and hair. Using these materials the larvae puts together a water-tight cocoon that is camouflaged by blending in with its surroundings.
Pupa
Flea larvae spin their pupal case with a combination of materials collected in their immediate area, with the help of a special silk produced by the larvae. This silky material (produced by saliva of the larvae) helps bind together materials such as hair, lint, dust and fabrics. Using these materials, the larvae puts together a water-tight cocoon that is camouflaged by blending in with its surroundings.
Adult
Soon after emerging from the pupae, the adult flea will mate and begin the cycle again. Adult fleas are brown to black.
WHERE FLEAS LIVE
Flea larvae are normally found in dark places, such as cracks in the floor. Adult fleas are commonly found on pets and in the areas where pets spend the most time, such as pet beds, yards, and furniture.
HOW FLEAS CAUSE HARM
Fleas cause harm by feeding off pets and sometimes humans. They leave irritated raised bumps that itch.
HOW TO GET RID OF FLEAS
Step 1-Heat Treat
Step 2- Vacuum and Clean
Step 3 - Wash
Step 4 - Diatomaceous Earth
Step 5 - Treat Pets
Step 1: Use heat to get rid of fleas. Adult fleas, larvae, pupae and eggs are easily destroyed with the use of a ZappBug heating unit. Place the infested (or possibily infested) items into the unit, and once the temperature probe reads 140 degrees Fahrenheit just heat treat for an hour. You may have to do smaller loads than you would for other pests to ensure the unit reaches 140F.
DO NOT PLACE PETS IN UNIT!
Fleas die at 140 degress in ten minutes (we recommend treating for one hour to be sure all fleas are dead).
Delicate clothing that can’t be washed can be treated in ZappBug units
Makes it easy to treat rugs and other house hold items
Our larger ZappBug Room allows you to heat treat larger furniture, such as couches and beds.
Vacuum your furniture and carpets. When larva feel vibrations they will cling to fabric fibers so be sure heat treat what you can and vacuum the rest thoroughly.
Wash all your clothing, bedding, pet bedding, and toys. Especially after you heat treat to remove any dead fleas and flea debris.
Diatomaceous earth. This stuff is a great non-toxic, kid-and-pet friendly alternative to insecticides. Because it’s food grade, it can safely be used around clothes and food. Sprinkle an extra-fine layer of this stuff around infested areas and inside cracks and crevices, carpets and lawn.
Get flea drops or medicine for your pet. We suggest getting drops or pills from your local veterinarian. If not we suggest some over the counter drops, Bayer Advantage II Flea Control Treatments is rated the highest among our customers.
*Always consult with your veterinarian before using any treatment products on your pets.
HEAT TREAT TO GET RID OF FLEAS
Learn more about how heat treatment works by visiting our products page and viewing our treatment video. You will see how easy it is to use our ZappBug heating units, and why heat treatment is the best way to get rid of Fleas quickly and effectively.
Flea infestations are easier to prevent than to control.
Heat treat any old clothing, pet toys, pet bedding or furniture purchased at yard sales.
Keep your furniture, bedding, pet toys, pet bedding, and clothes clean
Vacuum frequently to remove accumulations of lint, pet and human hair, dirt, and other organic debris
Since fleas fall off and live in your pet living areas, keep your pets’ bedding or the areas they reside the most extra clean.
Add Diatomaceous Earth to your carpets
Fleas are found were your pet goes to the bathroom as well. Keep liter boxes clean and add Diatomaceous Earth to your lawn
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Life Cycle
Fleas go through metamorphosis. This includes four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The time spent in each stage of life depends on living conditions including but not limited to temperature and humidity.
Eggs
A single female may deposit from 30 to 50 oval-shaped eggs per day. Flea eggs are only about 1/50 inch in diameter and take about 2-10 days to hatch
Larvae
Flea larvae spin their pupal case with a combination of materials collected in their immediate area, such as fabrics, lint, dust, and hair. Using these materials the larvae puts together a water-tight cocoon that is camouflaged by blending in with its surroundings.
Pupa
Flea larvae spin their pupal case with a combination of materials collected in their immediate area, with the help of a special silk produced by the larvae. This silky material (produced by saliva of the larvae) helps bind together materials such as hair, lint, dust and fabrics. Using these materials, the larvae puts together a water-tight cocoon that is camouflaged by blending in with its surroundings.
Adult
Soon after emerging from the pupae, the adult flea will mate and begin the cycle again. Adult fleas are brown to black
WHERE FLEAS LIVE
Flea larvae are normally found in dark places, such as cracks in the floor. Adult fleas are commonly found on pets and in the areas where pets spend the most time, such as pet beds, yards, and furniture.
HOW FLEAS CAUSE HARM
Fleas cause harm by feeding off pets and sometimes humans. They leave irritated raised bumps that itch.
HOW TO GET RID OF FLEAS
Fleas cause harm by feeding off pets and sometimes humans. They leave irritated raised bumps that itch.
1
Heat Treat
Step 1: Use heat to get rid of fleas. Adult fleas, larvae, pupae and eggs are easily destroyed with the use of a ZappBug heating unit. Place the infested (or possibily infested) items into the unit, and once the temperature probe reads 140 degrees Fahrenheit just heat treat for an hour. You may have to do smaller loads than you would for other pests to ensure the unit reaches 140F.
DO NOT PLACE PETS IN UNIT!
Fleas die at 140 degress in ten minutes (we recommend treating for one hour to be sure all fleas are dead).
Delicate clothing that can’t be washed can be treated in ZappBug units
Makes it easy to treat rugs and other house hold items
Our larger ZappBug Room allows you to heat treat larger furniture, such as couches and beds.
2
Vacuum and Clean
Vacuum your furniture and carpets. When larva feel vibrations they will cling to fabric fibers so be sure heat treat what you can and vacuum the rest thoroughly.
3
Wash
Wash all your clothing, bedding, pet bedding, and toys. Especially after you heat treat to remove any dead fleas and flea debris.
4
DE
Diatomaceous earth. This stuff is a great non-toxic, kid-and-pet friendly alternative to insecticides. Because it’s food grade, it can safely be used around clothes and food. Sprinkle an extra-fine layer of this stuff around infested areas and inside cracks and crevices, carpets and lawn.
3
TREAT PETS
Wash your pets with a flea shampoo. We recommend Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor for Dogs and Cats. Remember to check with your vet to make sure your pet is healthy enough and old enough to be bathed with a flea shampoo.
Get flea drops or medicine for your pet. We suggest getting drops or pills from your local veterinarian. If not we suggest some over the counter drops, Bayer Advantage II Flea Control Treatments is rated the highest among our customers.
*Always consult with your veterinarian before using any treatment products on your pets.
HEAT TREAT TO GET RID OF FLEAS
Learn more about how heat treatment works by visiting our products page and viewing our treatment video. You will see how easy it is to use our ZappBug heating units, and why heat treatment is the best way to get rid of Fleas quickly and effectively.