Emily asked 6 years ago
Hi! I was wondering if you could advise me? We have no pets inside our home, never have, but a cat gave birth to some kittens a few feet away from our house (strays) the animal control came and got the kittens, they never came inside our home, and now it’s about 3 weeks later and we have a few fleas inside. There have been some in the yard where the cats were and my husband treated the area and mowed the lawn. Now, I have treated inside with carpet flea treatment (we have mostly laminate) but treated our living room rugs and furniture. A few days have gone by and they have decreased but still seeing maybe 5-10 a day. We are putting lemon on our ankles and wearing socks so no more biting, but I am wondering if there is anything else I should do? I am vacuuming and spraying lemon spray daily. Can they survive much longer? Thank you for your time and expertise!!
Adam Retzer Staff answered 6 years ago
Emily,
Most likely you’re dealing with cat fleas (C. felis), as this species accounts for nearly all domestic infestations. However, ensure the fleas aren’t human fleas (P. irritans). The human flea is the only species that can survive and reproduce on human blood. Here is a page on how to identify human fleas. Using a flea trap is a good way to capture and identify specimens.
It’s strange that fleas got into your home without an animal host living there. Finding 5-10 fleas a day is a substantial amount if you’re assuming they are only hitchhiking in from outside. It would be a good idea to ensure no animals are in your home. For example, raccoons or opossums may find a way in air ducts, crawl spaces, attics, etc. Rodent fleas can also be the result of mice or rat infestations.
What did you treat the outdoors and indoors with? Here are pages with more information on getting rid of fleas in homes and outdoors.
If the fleas are C. felis, and no animals are in the home, continuing to vacuum regularly will be one of the best control methods. The fleas shouldn’t be able to survive much longer than a month without an animal host. Eggs become adults in 16-27 days. However, cocooned adults can stay quiescent for up to 5 months. Most don’t but some do. Vacuuming (heat and pressure) will cause them to wake up and emerge.
Hope this helps!
Adam
Emily
replied 6 years ago Thank you! The inside rugs were treated with some flea killer carpet powder (bought at Walmart) now today only 3 total. It does seem to be getting better, not worse. I am vacuuming a lot and we only have 2 rugs. The rest of the house is hardwood laminate. And I checked it out, and they are cat fleas. We are also only coming in the front and not the backyard (where the fleas started). The ones I found today are super tiny, is that because they are starving? Myself nor my kids have been bit for a day or two now. Thank you again!
Emily answered 6 years ago
Hi! I typed one answer and it disappeared! Any who, it’s definitely cat fleas, only 3 found today. We have not been bit in a day or two bc of preventive measures. And the last ones have looked super tiny?! Does that mean they are starving? The number is definitely decreasing and I believe it’s bc I am vacuuming like crazy, also that there is only a couple of rugs in my house. Most of my flooring is laminate. Thanks again!
Adam RetzerYes, the tiny fleas are unfed and likely dying before they can feed. Flea abdomens double in size once they are fully fed.
