Pets aquire Tapeworms from Fleas.
Life cycle of Flea
Although fleas can be a problem for your pets all year, flea populations
typically explode about 5 or 6 weeks after the weather starts to warm up.
EGG STAGE:
A female lays about 2,000 eggs in her lifetime.
In one day, a single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs.
The eggs aren't sticky - some may quickly fall off your pet and
into areas of your home. In two to five days, the eggs hatch.
LARVAL STAGE:
After hatching, the larvae head toward dark places around your home
and feed on "flea dirt" -- excrement of the partially digested blood of your pet.
The larvae grow, molt twice, then spin cocoons, where they grow to pupae.
PUPA STAGE:
Immature fleas spend approximately 8 to 9 days in their cocoon.
During this time, they continue to grow to adulthood,
waiting for the signals that it is time to emerge.
ADULT STAGE:
Full-grown adults detect heat, vibrations and exhaled carbon dioxide
from inside their cocoons, telling them a host is nearby.
The adults leave their cocoons, hop onto a host, find a mate and begin the
life cycle all over again. The entire life cycle can be as short as 3 to 4 weeks.