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It is a common fallacy that all cats and dogs have fleas. Most of these animals can be kept free of fleas if basic hygienic practices are followed. Fleas are a common pest of many types of animals, including humans.
While cats and dogs are the primary hosts of fleas in and around the home, humans can often become secondary hosts in the absence of domestic pets.
A female flea can lay 25 eggs per day, producing approximately 800 eggs in its life. Although fleas usually feed several times a day on animals, they can survive several weeks without a meal.
Adult fleas usually leave the host after feeding; however, flea eggs, larvae or pupae may be found on pets.
The peak season for flea infestations outdoors in most parts of Canada is from early August to early October. In excessively dry, hot summers flea populations tend to decrease; fleas are unable to retain moisture and they dehydrate and die.
Only female fleas bite. The bites cause the formation of a small, hard, red, itchy spot on the skin. When the flea pierces the skin with its mouthparts, it injects a salivary secretion to prevent its host’s blood from clotting. The itchiness is due to a reaction of the body’s immune system to substances in the salivary secretions. Reactions are specific to each individual; some may be more affected than others. To relieve the itchiness, apply ice cubes or calamine lotion to the bite.
*Source:
http://www.pmra-arla.gc.ca
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