Question: What can:

• Jump 150 times its own length;
• Consume 15 times its own body weight in blood every day;
• Lie dormant - without food - for several months;
• Reproduce within 36 to 48 hours after its first meal; and
• Transmit two types of bubonic plague?

Answer: The tiny but mighty flea.

As temperatures rise, so does the possibility of flea infestations. These little blood-suckers not only torment your cats and dogs, they also pose a health concern to your human family members. To see if you have fleas in your home, take a walk through the house in white socks and watch for the 1/25-1/4 inch cling-ons. If you see just one flea, chances are there are more than 100 of its friends and relations nearby. To rid your home of fleas:

• Thoroughly wash your pet's bedding. Better still, throw it out.
• Talk to your vet about safely treating your pet for fleas.
• Prevent re-infestation by using a flea control program in your garage, porch and yard.
• Thoroughly vacuum your carpets, rugs, floors and baseboards
• Place the used vacuum bag in an airtight plastic bag and get it into the outdoor trashcan immediately.

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