Is Finding Dead Fleas a Good Sign?
Keep an eye out for dead fleas and signs of a larger infestation
Highlights
Adult fleas only make up about 5% of an infestation.
There are four stages in a flea’s life cycle.
When fleas are in the pupae stage, they are immune to extermination treatments.
No one likes finding insects in their home, let alone finding fleas on their beloved fur babies. But is finding dead fleas a good sign? You might think dead fleas signal the end of your pest problem, but it could be just the start of it. Let’s dig into the steps you should take after finding dead fleas in your home.
Why Dead Fleas Aren’t a Positive Sign
Fleas get their nourishment from the blood of animals and humans, which is why they’re attracted to your home. While discovering any of these dead microscopic vampires could be a sign that the extermination treatment is working, it’s not a sign that you’re in the clear with your pest problem.
Pest control experts often warn homeowners that it’s not the bugs you can see—whether dead or alive—that are the problem. It’s the ones you can’t see. And considering fleas are tiny even as adults, you are most likely missing out on the rest of the invasion still waiting to hatch.
Here’s an alarming statistic: It’s likely that adult fleas—those spotted hanging out in your pet’s fur—account for only 5% of the infestation. What makes up the other 95%? It’s flea eggs, larvae, and pupae, the other stages in a flea’s life cycle. So, finding dead fleas is a sign that you’ll likely have to get rid of a larger flea infestation.
Life Cycle of Fleas
There are four flea life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. It only takes about three or four weeks to grow from egg to adult. However, the life cycle might speed up to only 12 to 22 days at optimal temperature and humidity levels.
It’s important to understand that even if you used natural elimination methods to kill the adult fleas, you must assume the next generation is waiting to mature. And since fleas can lay up dozens of eggs per day, their future is bright. Let’s take a closer look at the four stages of a flea’s life:
Eggs: Fleas in the egg stage look like pearly white ovals about ½ mm. They get deposited on your pets from the adults, but it doesn’t take much more than a shake or a wag to disperse them. They will grow to become larvae in less than a week.
Larvae: These start off looking like 2mm maggots, but they grow to 5mm and get darker in color. They don’t like the light, so they’ll continue to develop in dark nooks and crannies, like floorboards.
Pupae: These soon-to-be adults hang out in cocoons. They can stay for up to 6 months if left undisturbed, otherwise, they’ll become adults in less than two weeks. This phase is bad news because it’s difficult to vacuum and can withstand most extermination measures.
Adults: Adult fleas range in size from 1½ to 4 mm. If you look closely, you might be able to see them. Fleas don’t fly, but they’re quite agile jumpers, which is how they attach to a host to begin the feeding frenzy. It’s important to note that even though fleas jump, your pet is more likely to catch fleas that are hatching from pupae, not hitching a ride from another pet.
How to Get Rid of Fleas
If you’ve found dead fleas in your home, the next step is to locate and eradicate the rest of the infestation. Keep in mind that the best way to remove fleas is to hire a local exterminator. Follow these guidelines for best results:
Flea treatments for pets: Start by consulting your veterinarian about the best flea treatments for your furry friends, like topical or oral medications or flea collars. You can also use a flea shampoo to kill fur fleas on contacts.
Baits, traps, and powders: Consider using commercial flea baits, traps, and powders to stop fleas in their tracks. Look for non-toxic products and follow safety guidelines when applying these eradication methods to your home.
DIY methods: There are plenty of household products you can use to kill fleas, such as salt, dish soap and water, and diatomaceous earth. You should also clean all linens and vacuum and steam all surfaces thoroughly. Keep in mind that these DIY methods may not work as effectively as professional treatment.
Professional flea treatment: Hiring a flea exterminator is a surefire way to remove any size infestation from your home. Professional flea treatment costs $75 to $400, depending on the size, severity, and location of the infestation.
What Is the Pupal Window?
If you were quick-thinking and called in an exterminator to get rid of fleas right away, good work! But there’s still cause for concern, thanks to the pupal window.
The pupal window is the period after treatment has been administered, but the pupae can continue to grow and hatch. That’s because these almost-adults have two layers of protection: the hard pupa shell and dirt that might be covering it up. If you have a large flea infestation, the pupal window can last for a few months. Again, it doesn’t mean that exterminating treatments are not working to kill off fleas in the other three states of life, but it will take longer to kill off all the pupae.