(July 2006)

Fleas become common at this time of year. A few fleas that may have entered the home a few weeks ago may have largely increased in number, causing a major problem. In addition, the fleas are numerous enough in some yards to have become a problem outdoors.

Fleas are small, pinhead sized insects that are dark brown to almost blackish in color, notes David Robson, horticulture educator with University of Illinois Extension at the Springfield Center. They do not have wings and jump to get from place to place. Only adult fleas feed on blood.

Although fleas will feed on people, causing red spots that look like mosquito bites on the lower legs and other areas of the body, they will usually not bother people if dogs or cats are present.

Flea eggs hatch 10 days after being laid into slender, whitish, worm-like larvae. These larvae feed on debris in carpeting, upholstered furniture and pet bedding. Fully-grown larvae enter a short pupae stage, followed by the adult stage that feeds on blood. The entire life cycle, from egg to adult, takes about six weeks in the home.

Pet owners who have fleas in their houses can usually eliminate them by treating their pets weekly with a flea and tick powder for at least six weeks. A flea collar may also be used, but the pet may be allergic to the chemical and develop a rash under the collar.

Flea control for non-pet owners is more difficult. Pyrethrin-based products, such as flying and crawling or household insect aerosol sprays, can be used to eliminate the fleas. Apply this aerosol spray as a light mist to rugs, the underside of upholstered furniture, and into cracks and crevices. Vacuum the carpet about 30 minutes after treatment and dispose of the vacuumed materials.

Since the sprays do not kill the eggs and pupae of the fleas, three sprays at two-week intervals are needed to eliminate the fleas.

Infested lawn areas can be treated with an insecticide to reduce the chances of your home being reinfested. Spray any area where fleas appear to be present, particularly tall grass areas and areas where pets or wild animals tend to rest.

Contact your local Extension office for the current chemical recommendations for flea control indoors and outside. Make sure to read and follow all label directions for chemical application.