Eradicating fleas from South Carolina is only wishful thinking, but flea control is possible. The secret lies in understanding the flea's life cycle and using an integrated control program. Fleas mate on the pet, and both sexes bite. After each blood meal, the female usually lays four to eight eggs. Over her lifetime, a female may lay more than 400 eggs.
Flea eggs are smooth, whitish and oval and readily fall from the pet to the floor or ground.
Depending on temperature and humidity, flea eggs hatch in one to 10 days. The larvae avoid light, burrowing into carpets, cracks or, if outdoors, soil. The larvae feed on small particles of animal or plant debris and adult flea feces until they achieve full growth. Larval development may require as little as five days but may be extended for up to three weeks, depending on food and environmental conditions. Next, the larvae spin silken cocoons.