Male fleas are a type of pest that are quite capable of transmitting diseases such as plague, typhus, and murine typhus. The male flea also can serve as a vector for the dog tapeworm after it has consumed the larvae from an infected host. As these parasites reproduce through the crawling or hopping action, they feed on the blood of their host. It is important to be aware that dogs play a vital role in this type of parasite cycle when they bring inside the home fleas which were originally outside in their environment.
The male flea is a small insect that can be found in your home. It is also known as the cat flea, dog flea, or human flea. The female flea lays eggs in the environment. The eggs hatch into larvae which then molt into pupae and emerge as adult fleas. These adult fleas reproduce by laying eggs on the host’s skin or fur.
The male flea has a body length of 3-5mm with a body width of 1-2mm. It has a black or brown body color with white spots on its legs and antennae. The male flea has four pairs of legs and two pairs of wings for flying. This insect has no mouthparts for biting hosts; instead, it uses its mouthparts to suck blood from its host’s skin or fur through piercing-like mouthparts (called stylets).
Male and Female Flea Difference
Male and female fleas differ in appearance and behavior.
Male fleas are smaller than females, and their abdomens are longer. They have dark brown heads and bodies, while females have reddish-brown heads and black bodies. Male fleas feed on blood as well, but they do not lay eggs or reproduce; they only live long enough to mate with a female.
Female fleas lay eggs in a host’s fur or bedding, which hatch into larvae after about three days. The larvae are tiny white worms that feed on debris found in carpets and bedding. After another three days of feeding, the larvae develop into pupae, immobile cocoons that resemble small grains of rice, and emerge as adults about eight days later.
How Long Do Male Fleas Live?
Fleas are a common cause of skin irritation in pets, and they can also spread diseases and parasites. If you find fleas on your dog or cat, it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible. The best way to prevent future infestations is to keep your pet’s coat clean and dry.
Fleas are small insects that live on animals, including dogs and cats. Female flea eggs hatch into larvae in about 10 days. These larvae feed on the blood of their host animal until they develop into pupae. The pupae then form adult fleas after about two weeks.
Male fleas have short lifespans compared to female fleas because they have limited function outside of mating with females. Male fleas don’t lay eggs or bite animals, they’re only interested in finding females so they can reproduce.
After mating with one or more females, male flea lifespans are usually over due to exhaustion from all that activity.
What Do Male Fleas Do
Male fleas are very easy to spot. They’re much smaller than their female counterparts, and they have wings. These wings are short and stubby, so they can’t fly. Female fleas are wingless.
The male flea’s primary role in the lifecycle of a flea is to mate with the female, which he does by jumping on top of her back and releasing his sperm into her body through his penis. This process is called “insemination.”
If the female doesn’t lay eggs within 24 hours after mating with a male, then he will die. If she does lay eggs within that time frame, however, then she’ll continue living until she dies from old age or from being eaten by another creature (such as a cat).
What Temperature Kills Fleas Instantly?
Fleas are a nuisance for any home, but it can be especially annoying when your cat is constantly scratching and biting at itself. These irritating creatures can also be dangerous, as they can cause anemia in your pet. The best way to ensure that you’re protecting your pet and your home from fleas is by using a flea bomb.
The most effective way to get rid of fleas is by heating them up to the point where they die instantly. Fleas cannot withstand temperatures over 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius), so using a bomb at this temperature will kill them immediately.
List of Products For Killing Fleas
Fleas are one of the most common pests to infect homes, and flea control is an important part of any pest management plan. We’ve put together a list of products for killing fleas, so you can find the solution that’s right for your situation.
Wondercide – Flea and Tick Spray Concentrate for Yard and Garden with Natural Essential Oils – Kill, Control, Prevent, Fleas, Ticks, Mosquitoes and Insects – Safe for Pets, Plants, Kids – 1 Gallon
Price: $214.99
Features :
- KILLS & REPELS. A preventative and a treatment, this pest repellent spray is powered by natural essential oils and kills mosquitoes, ants, fleas, ticks, roaches, flies, scorpions, chiggers, crickets, chinch bugs, japanese beetles, no-see-ums, gnats and more. Safe alternative to conventional pesticide sprays, zappers, and foggers.
- SPRAY & PLAY Safe for cats, dogs, and people of all ages, with no wait time for drying or reentry into sprayed areas and environments. Just mix the desired amount of product into any applicator and fill to the top with the recommended amount of water, spray your backyard, and enjoy.
- TREATS UP TO 2 ACRES. Can be safely used on lawns, gardens, grass, patios, vegetables, flowers, siding, brick, paint and more. Treat an existing pest infestation or for prevention. Application coverage depends on water pressure and walking speed. Our concentrates are a great refill to the Wondercide Ready-to-Use Flea & Tick Yard & Garden Spray.
- TREAT NATURE WITH NATURE. No artificial colors, fragrances, or harsh pesticides. Made in the USA from powerful, sustainable plant-based ingredients. Safe when sprayed outdoors around pets, kids, and beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Cruelty-Free and biodegradable.
- PLANT-DERIVED AND POWERFULLY EFFECTIVE. Powered by cedar oil, Wondercide is proven pest protection, especially for flea, tick, and mosquito removal.
CAPSTAR (nitenpyram) Oral Flea Treatment for Cats, Fast Acting Tablets Start Killing Fleas in 30 Minutes, Cats 2-25 lbs, 6 Doses
Price: $36.99
Features :
- FAST-ACTING FLEA TREATMENT: One oral flea tablet starts killing fleas within 30 minutes.
- TACKLE FLEA INFESTATIONS FAST: Give Capstar oral flea treatment and watch dead fleas fall off your pet.
- TREAT RE-INFESTATIONS FAST: If your pet gets re-invested with fleas, simply give another dose as often as once a day.
- WITHOUT A VET PRESCRIPTION: Flea treatment without needing a veterinarian prescription, administer this cat flea tablet orally to kill adult fleas fast.
- KILL ADULT FLEAS: Capstar oral flea treatment tablets (11.4 mg) are safe for cats and kittens from 2-25 lbs., four (4) weeks and older.
Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug, Flea and Tick Killer – With Ready-to-Use Comfort Wand, Kills Bed Bugs and Bed Bug Eggs, Bed Bug Spray Also Kills Fleas and Ticks, 1 gal.
Price: $19.99
Features :
- Use Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug, Flea & Tick Killer to kill bed bugs, bed bug eggs, fleas, and ticks
- Use the spray as a spot treatment around bed frames, mattress seams/tufts/folds, and baseboards
- Kills even the toughest bed bugs (pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs)
- The second step of a 3-step bed bug solution system
- The continuous spray Comfort Wand easily gets into hard-to-reach areas
Adams Flea & Tick Home Spray, Kills Fleas, Flea Eggs, Flea Larvae, Bed Bugs, Ticks, Ants, Cockroaches, Spiders, Mosquitoes, And Many Other Listed Nuisance Pests In The Home, 24 Fl Oz
Price: $16.99
Features :
- PROVEN EFFECTIVE – Kills fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, bed bugs, ticks, cockroaches, ants*, spiders, mosquitoes, and many other labeled insects (*except carpenter, harvester, pharaoh, and fire ants) on contact
- KILLS FAST – Begins killing fleas in as little as 5 minutes
- DUAL ACTION – Kills over 30 insects and prevents new infestations
- 7-MONTH PROTECTION – Provides up to 7 months of flea protection
- COMPLETE HOME DEFENSE – Use on carpets, rugs, upholstery, and pet bedding; do not spray directly on pets
- EASY TO USE – Even and controlled spraying pattern for optimal results; this spray is not designed to be used directly on your pet
- FRAGRANCE-FREE – Dries fast, non-staining, and no lingering odor
- PERFORMANCE PROVEN – Since 1975, Adams products offer a unique approach to prevention and protection for flea and tick control that you can rely on
- PET, HOME, AND YARD – 5% of fleas live on your pet while the remaining 95% live in your home or yard; complete your flea and tick control system with Adams Pet, Home, and Yard products
- FOR BEST RESULTS – Multiple steps or products may be necessary to help fight fleas and ticks on your pet – scroll down to view our comprehensive line of products
Wondercide – Indoor Pest Control Spray for Home and Kitchen – Ant, Roach, Spider, Fly, Flea, Bug Killer and Insect Repellent – with Natural Essential Oils – Pet and Family Safe — Lemongrass 32 oz
Price: $36.99 ($1.16 / Fl Oz)
Features :
- KILLS & REPELS. A preventative and a treatment, this plant-powered insect spray kills and repels indoor pests and keeps your home protected. Kills flying, crawling, biting and stinging pests including ants, roaches, spiders, flies, fleas, ticks, wasps, scorpions, mosquitoes, fruit flies, silverfish, moths, gnats, carpet beetles, earwigs, palmetto bugs, waterbugs.
- PROTECT YOUR HOME. This versatile bug control spray is also an indoor flea treatment and flea killer for your home. It kills fleas in carpet, furniture, bedding and flooring, and eliminates adults, eggs, and larvae in the home.
- SAFE AROUND DOGS & CATS WHEN USED AS DIRECTED. This spray is gentle enough to use several times a week around your loved ones and pets throughout the house when used as directed, yet powerful enough to fully eliminate pests and provide defense of your household from invading insects.
- PLANT POWERED AND POWERFULLY EFFECTIVE. Using natural essential oils, this spray is a safe alternative to electronic bug zappers, lights, traps, powders, granules and conventional pesticides. No artificial colors, fragrances or harsh ingredients. Cruelty-Free.
- EASY-TO-USE. This biopesticide can be sprayed easily around the home, throughout the kitchen, bathroom, and any other living area. Simply spray around windows, doors, baseboards, under sinks, in cabinets, and appliances. Works great for dog kennels and cat condos, too. Spray as often as desired for a pest-free home. USA Made with U.S. and global components. Safe when used as directed.
In Conclusion,
You can prevent fleas from infesting your home by doing regular cleaning of your pet’s bedding and keeping them away from areas where other animals sleep. If you already have a flea problem in your home, you should call in a professional pest control service to help you get rid of them.