• The third stage is the pupa stage, where the larvae creates a cocoon around itself.  This cocoon is sticky which allows it to adhere to your poor pet or the carpet.  This phase looks a lot like little balls of dirt.  If you see these on the stomach of your pet, or around the head or tail area, you are probably looking at the pupa stage of the flea. Once it has completed the cocoon, an adult flea can emerge in a matter of a few days. The cocooned flea can be very aware of a host nearby, and will actually emerge sooner than planned to take advantage of the unaware host. The presence of larvae requires a very thorough vacuuming prior to any treatment by pesticides as you want to leave as few of these cocoons behind as possible. Their presence also explains why it can be so difficult to treat for fleas, as the thicker or more dense that the carpet is, the harder to get to the base of it.
• The 4th and final stage of the life cycle of a flea is the adult, and if you have ever been in a home infested with fleas, you know how irritating and itchy the bites can be.  You also know that they are something you cannot tolerate in your home or on your pets.  They also represent a health risk because their bite can transmit both viruses and bacteria from other hosts that they have fed off of. From the time they emerge from their cocoon, they latch onto the nearest host and start their life as a parasite.

Effective Flea Control Tips for Homeowners

To prevent a flea infestation and safeguard your home, follow these practical flea control steps:

• Vacuum Regularly: Vacuum carpets, furniture, and pet bedding to remove flea eggs, larvae, and cocoons. Focus on high-risk areas like under furniture, along baseboards, and in pet’s favorite resting spots.
• Treat Your Pets: Use flea preventatives on your pets and take them to a veterinarian or groomer for professional flea treatments. This will stop adult fleas from laying more eggs in your home.
• Maintain Your Yard: Fleas can live outside as well, so keep your yard clean by trimming grass and removing any yard debris. Fleas love shady, moist areas—so eliminating these environments reduces their hiding places.
• Wash Bedding and Fabrics: Frequently wash your pet’s bedding, your bedding, and any fabric your pet frequents to help eliminate flea larvae and eggs that may be hiding.

By implementing these tips, you can significantly reduce the chances of a flea infestation and create a safer, more comfortable environment for your family and pets. For professional flea control and peace of mind, trust OnStar Pest Control to get the job done right.