![]() "Stink bugs have been increasing in number since the mid-1990s," says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. ![]() The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) provides tips for homeowners to prevent these pests from invading homes and property. With their tendency to release an odor when disturbed or crushed, learning how to properly dispose of these pests is as important as preventing them from entering the home. They are easiest to see on your pet’s belly.Notorious for their "smelly" reputation, stink bugs enter homes during the winter months, leaving homeowners looking for ways to ward off these invaders. You may see them moving around on your pet’s skin but probably won’t see them nestling on top of fur. Fleas move very quickly and can jump as high as 13 inches. Their bodies are tough and can be hard to squish. They range from light reddish-brown to black in color. If your home is infested, you may see them in carpets or bedding. Fleas are tiny, but they’re not microscopic. Pupae can remain alive and ready to hatch for up to 1 year under warm, humid conditions. Their cocoons are sticky, so dust can get caught on them. Flea larvae grow a cocoon to become incubating pupae. ![]() You may be able to see black matter inside their bodies, especially under a microscope. Flea larvae look like small, translucent worms or maggots. Flea eggs are clear to white in color and resemble dandruff flakes or salt. They can remain there until they hatch, 1 to 12 days later. They may land on any surface, including your bed. ![]() The oval-shaped eggs are loose and can roll around. Female fleas lay up to eight eggs after each feeding. If your pet is scratching, they may have a flea infestation.įleas don’t live long lives, but they do go through several stages of development: Fleas can travel into homes on the soles of shoes or on clothing. If left untreated, your pet may develop skin infections or a rash from constantly breaking their skin while scratching.Įven if your pet is housebound and never goes outside, they can still get fleas. This causes widespread itching and discomfort. Your pet may also appear to gnaw or bite their own skin.įleas can infest an animal’s entire body. It can be hard to see flea bites on your pet, so you may want to pay attention to whether your pet is scratching. Fleas often excrete while biting and may release 10 or more drops of flea dirt while they feed. Fleas with a host nearby consume much more blood than they need to survive daily. If your pet has fleas and sleeps with you, you’ll likely see or feel flea dirt on your sheets.įlea dirt is primarily made up of the host’s blood. Flea dirt, or residue, looks like tiny black dots. Getty Images Residue (flea dirt)Īll insects poop, including fleas. Share on Pinterest Flea bites appear as red itchy dots, typically along your shins, ankles, or feet.
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