Fleas are active January through December! A common myth is that fleas are only in the environment during the hotter times of the year. Florida's sub-tropic climate allows for fleas to feed and reproduce year-round, and if you are seeing adult fleas on your pets, it's only the tip of the iceberg.
It is always flea and tick season in Florida they don't go away or hibernate in winter months. They are more prevalent during our long hot months but in Florida it doesn't get cold enough for them to never be an issue. Fleas are the main cause of skin related issues due to itching, scratching, chewing, and licking.
Enquiries relating to suspected flea infestations have increased by 47% in a year, according to recent data from Rentokil Pest control, and the experts believe the unusual weather in 2023 could be the reason.
While some states see a dip in flea populations during colder months, Florida's milder winters mean that fleas remain active and problematic. There's no natural “off season” for these parasites in the state. This means that the fleas get to experience a continuous breeding cycle–and an endless headache for us!
Follow veterinarian recommendations and use a monthly preventative flea treatment on your pets, brush their fur prior to coming back inside from the yard, and shaving down long-haired animals in the summer. The last step is to keep your home clean by vacuuming carpeting and throw rugs at least once a week.
One of the worst Florida flea seasons in years, veterinarians say
How long does flea season last in Florida?
In Florida, fleas tend to be most active in spring and summer months, but they are active all year long. Fortunately for the flea, finding a good host also translates into an opportunity for a steady supply of food.
Fleas are the most common ectoparasites found on cats and dogs, so they frequently turn up as household pests. Fleas are annoying to people and pets, especially during spring and early summer when their numbers tend to increase dramatically.
During the day, fleas avoid the sun so they are most active at sunset and least active at sunrise. At dusk, the pests would lay more eggs, respire more, and move around in the yard more. Although the fleas are not completely inactive at any time of the day, they have increased activity at dusk and night.
Ticks and fleas are common to the Florida area, often being found in our yards and homes. Both pests can be harmful to humans and pets if they are not treated properly, making it crucial to understand their characteristics and ways to prevent them.
The cooler, drier winter weather will offer your pets some relief, but it is crucial to treat against fleas throughout all seasons. Summer is one of the most active times for fleas and ticks, with some of the worst season being fall, in September, October, and November.
Seemingly a national problem, this month Rentokil reported seeing a rise in flea infestations by nearly half (47%) in just one year. Rentokil believe the unusual weather is the cause of this sharp increase with June 2023 being the warmest since 1884 followed by a wet July which saw above average rainfall of 170%.
At What Temperature and How Quickly Do Fleas Die? Adult fleas die at temperatures colder than 46.4°F (8°C) and hotter than 95°F (35°C). Immature fleas, which refers to both flea eggs and larvae, are slightly more susceptible to the cold, dying at temperatures below 55.4°F (13°C).
They can be found hiding out in wooded areas, under trees, inside of shrubs, and under decks and porches. If you live in the country, fleas and ticks love to hang out in the tall grass or overgrown areas where they wait for deer or other wildlife to pass by.
Yes! All flea collars are designed to kill fleas. However, some flea collars may be more effective than others: Some collars target only adult fleas, while others may kill some of the younger stages of fleas, too.
bed bugs, fleas, and mosquitoes are the most common insects to bite people while they're asleep. In addition to that, there are some critters that might, and even are likely, to crawl in bed with you, like cockroaches, but are unlikely to bite you (cockroaches don't bite).”
You can get fleas in your hair, but they won't stay and live there. Human hair isn't thick enough to provide shelter for fleas, and most species of flea don't even feed on humans, anyway. If a flea jumps onto you from one of your pets, it will probably leave in search of better shelter.
Flea bombs are not an effective method of flea control. The pesticides released do not penetrate the carpets or other fibers where the flea eggs and larvae are likely to be hiding. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln recommends an Integrated Pest Management approach, instead of the use of insect bombs.
The most common flea in Florida is the cat flea. This flea is mostly found on cats, but will surely find a suitable host in any warm blooded animal or human. These opportunistic insects will catch a ride on you or your pets and make themselves right at home, eating and reproducing at a rapid rate, within hours.
Traditionally, this 275-mile yard sale in Florida happens every April and September every year. The way it works is that vendors from Live Oak, Florida all the way to Pensacola, Florida along Highway 90 set up shop with all types of goods, collectibles, vintage treasures, and more.
What is the longest flea market in the United States?
Technically the world's largest yard sale, the flea market known as the 127 Corridor is certainly the LONGEST outdoor market. Beginning on a highway in Jamestown, TN, this flea stretches hundreds of miles through North Covington, Kentucky, and continues all the way to Gadsden, Alabama.
Fleas like high grass, sand, sheds and debris – places where they can find shade and humidity. These areas, such as the grass underneath a shrub, provide the perfect conditions for all pre-adult stages of the flea's life cycle.
A flea might live a year and a half under ideal conditions. These include the right temperature, food supply, and humidity. Generally speaking, though, an adult flea only lives for 2 or 3 months. Without a host for food, a flea's life might be as short as a few days.
However, most species of fleas are so similar in appearance that you would not be able to distinguish between them without a microscope. Other species of fleas in Florida include human fleas, Pulex irritans, and sticktight fleas, Echidnophaga gallinacea.
