fleas

[malteasers]

This may seen a silly question but can you tell me how fleas start out ? I know they lay eggs but do they become little worm like things?

[boxtops]

No, the eggs lurk in nice places like carpets and furniture, then when a sufficiently warm blooded being comes past (pet, you, me) they hatch instantly and fling themselves at the blood supply. (this is true btw!)

[tamborine]

eggs hatch in warmth & bite host asap.

[malteasers]

Thanks for your answer boxtops. But have found these little worm like things

[Prudie]

Like insects fleas have the life cycle of egg, larva, pupa then adult so you may well have found the larval stage.

[boxtops]

Prudie I think you are right, it'll be the pupae which lurk in the carpet.

[wildwood]

This may gross you out

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fzb16Bl1Dk

[boxtops]

I'm glad I've finished my dinner, wildwood, especially since I had risotto.....

[Clanad]

The life cycle of the common flea is interesting in that the larvae actually spins a cocoon... read here:
"The larval stage actually has three developmental stages within this stage. Larvae are about 1/4" (6.35 mm) long, and semi-transparent white. They have small hairs along their body and actively move. They eat the feces of adult fleas (which is mostly dried blood) and other organic debris found in the carpet, bedding, and soil. Depending on the amount of food present and the environmental conditions, the larval stage lasts about 5 to 18 days (longer in some cases) then the larva spins a silken cocoon and pupates.

PUPA (plural = pupae): The pupa is the last stage before adult. The adult flea can emerge from the cocoon as early as 3 to 5 days, or it can stay in the cocoon for a year or more, waiting for the right time to emerge. When is the right time? (Never, say pet lovers everywhere!) Stimuli such as warm ambient temperatures, high humidity, even the vibrations and carbon dioxide emitted from a passing animal will cause the flea to emerge from the cocoon faster. This brings us back to the adult flea."
(Source: Veterinary Medicine, Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM, )

[malteasers]

Thanks everyone you have helped me. Especially Clanad Has anyone usedhyperdrug flea and tick drops for dogs .I have used tablets most times as they lick one anther