Fleas

Fleas go through four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Egg: Flea eggs are laid on animals and can fall into carpets, bedding, furniture, and other areas.

Larva: Larvae develop in protected areas and feed on organic material and flea dirt.

Pupa: The larva forms a protective cocoon and develops into an adult flea. The cocoon can remain dormant until the right conditions trigger the flea to emerge.

Adult: Adult fleas emerge, find a host, feed, and reproduce, continuing the cycle.

This is why flea infestations can be difficult to eliminate—treating only the adult fleas may not break the entire life cycle.

Fleas are small, fast-moving parasites that feed on the blood of animals and can also bite people. They are commonly brought into homes by dogs, cats, wildlife, or rodents and can quickly spread throughout carpets, furniture, bedding, and other areas.

Flea eggs and immature stages can remain hidden in the environment, making fleas difficult to control with a single treatment. Treating the home and addressing the source of the infestation are both important parts of flea control.

If you're seeing fleas or flea bites, JBC Termite & Pest Control can inspect the property and recommend the appropriate treatment to help eliminate the infestation.

Flea bites – Small, itchy red bites, often around the ankles and lower legs. 

• Pets scratching more than usual – Frequent scratching, biting, or licking can be a sign of fleas. 
• Seeing small jumping insects – Adult fleas are tiny, fast, and can jump quickly. 
• Flea dirt – Small black or dark specks may be found on pets, bedding, carpets, or furniture. 
• Flea eggs – Tiny white eggs can sometimes be found in carpets, pet bedding, and other areas where pets spend time. 
• Bites or activity after sitting on furniture or walking through carpet – Fleas can remain hidden in areas where pets or animals spend time.

1. Egg – Adult fleas lay eggs on an animal, and the eggs can fall into carpets, bedding, furniture, and other areas. 
2. Larva – Flea larvae develop in protected areas and feed on organic material, including flea dirt. 
3. Pupa – The larva forms a cocoon where it develops into an adult flea. The cocoon can remain dormant until conditions are right. 
4. Adult – Adult fleas emerge from the cocoon, find a host, and begin feeding and reproducing. 

Why this matters: Flea treatments need to address more than just the adult fleas you can see. The eggs, larvae, and pupae hidden throughout the home can continue the infestation if they aren't properly addressed.