According to the NPHCN, the typical flea population consists of 50% eggs, 35% larvae, 10% pupae, and 5% adult fleas. Fleas have a four-stage life cycle. A female flea can lay an average of 40 to 50 eggs daily. Fleas will remain at this stage as eggs for about one to two weeks, depending on certain conditions such as humidity, temperature or the surroundings. After this period, the eggs then turn into larvae, feeding itself on organic tissue. A few days later, they turn into pupae or a cocoon. Adult fleas emerge from these cocoons a few weeks later. The adult will remain in the cocoon until vibrations indicate that a host or victim is close by, a waiting process that can extend the life cycle. The flea's long and powerful legs allow them to jump up to relatively high elevations.

Ordinary household fleas do not transmit diseases to humans and pets. For the most part, they are an annoying insect causing itching and scratching. Often times, your pet's behavior is a good indicator of whether or not they have fleas. Your pet may have fleas if he is acting uncomfortably, biting or scratching around his tail and back, displaying weakness or lethargy, or if you notice the presence of small scabs or bumps on your pet's neck or back. Scratching is one of the most common signs and is not solely caused by the flea bites themselves but can also result from the fleas crawling over your pet's skin.

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