Th11 asked 6 years ago
After we found out we had fleas (we just got a kitten), we treated both home and kitten. We quarantined our kitten while cleaning and treating the rest of the house. We used vet recommended treatment for him and the house. We haven’t seen any live fleas or flea dirt in for a few days now, but we still find tiny oval white/yellowish specs on the surfaces of the room where our kitten is quarantined (min 20 / day). We would like to let out kitten out, but are worried about these specs. Are they eggs or pupae? Will they hatch or are they dead if they’re falling down like that? Is it safe to let him out? Honestly, we can’t go through the flea nightmare again.
Adam Retzer Staff answered 6 years ago
Th11,
It’s hard to say what the white/yellow specks are without seeing a picture. It’s possible that they’re flea eggs. However, if they are eggs, they shouldn’t be able to mature with the kitten and home properly treated.
Flea eggs will hatch in 1-2 days. So if the specks are remaining for longer than that, then they aren’t eggs. This is also why it’s recommended to vacuum every other day, to remove newly fallen eggs before they hatch.
Ensure the products you used contain an insect growth regulator (IGR) active ingredient, either pyriproxyfen (Nylar) or methoprene (Precor). IGRs mimic natural insect hormones that regulate development. Exposed eggs and larvae will be unable to mature into adults. IGRs also remain active indoors for 7 months.
The specks probably aren’t pupae. Larvae avoid light, and move down into their substrate (e.g. base of carpets). That is where they pupate. And most pupate within camouflaged cocoons. The cocoons are made made of sticky silk-like substance, and debris adheres to it.
Other visitors on this site have seen white or yellow specks, and others have suggested that they may be tapeworm segments. Flea larvae sometimes consume tapeworm eggs while scavenging in the environment. When the flea becomes an adult, it is still infected, and pets can then become infected if they consume the flea while grooming.
I hope this helps, and I sorry I took so long to respond.
Warm regards,
Adam
