As the weather warms up in Western Sydney, many of us look forward to longer days outdoors with our pets. Unfortunately, spring also marks the start of peak flea season. Fleas thrive in warm, humid conditions, and without proper prevention, they can quickly turn into a big problem for both pets and households.
Understanding the Flea Life Cycle
To effectively fight fleas, it helps to know how they live and reproduce:
A single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day. These fall off your pet into carpets, bedding, and outdoor areas.
Eggs hatch into larvae that feed on flea dirt (dried blood) and organic material. They’re often hidden in dark, moist places.
Larvae spin cocoons and develop into pupae, where they can stay dormant for weeks or even months. This makes them very resilient.
Once conditions are right, adult fleas emerge and jump onto the nearest pet, feeding on blood and starting the cycle again.
Because of this cycle, fleas can seem to “come back” even after you’ve treated your pet, as new adults emerge from the environment.
How Fleas Spread
Fleas don’t just come from other pets—they can be picked up in many ways:
Backyards
Shared Spaces
Inside the Home
Once they’re in, fleas reproduce rapidly, making infestations hard to control without a consistent plan.
Preventing a Flea Problem
The best way to deal with fleas is prevention. Some steps to consider include:
- Year-round flea prevention products: Flea chews, spot-ons, or collars are highly effective when used consistently. Brands like Bravecto, NexGard, or Advocate are commonly used in Australia.
- Environmental care: Wash pet bedding regularly, vacuum carpets and lounges, and dispose of the vacuum bag straight away.
- Outdoor management: Keep grass trimmed and discourage wildlife from sleeping in your yard, as they can bring fleas in.
Bravecto Quantum is now available in clinic for dogs. This is an injection that protects against fleas & ticks, for 12 months!
Tackling an Existing Infestation
If fleas have already taken hold, you’ll need a multi-pronged approach:
- Treat all pets in the household – Even if only one pet seems itchy, all animals need protection.
- Use the right product consistently – Follow directions carefully and don’t skip doses, as this allows fleas to re-establish.
- Address the environment – Regular vacuuming, hot washing bedding, and even professional pest control may be needed for severe cases.
- Check for secondary problems – Flea infestations can cause skin allergies and transmit tapeworms. If your pet seems uncomfortable, a vet check is recommended.
Final Thoughts
Spring in Western Sydney is beautiful, but it’s also the time when fleas become most active. Staying ahead with prevention is far easier than battling a full infestation. If you’re unsure which flea prevention product is right for your pet, or if you’re struggling with a flea problem at home, our team at WellPet Vets is here to help.
