Mild winter means fleas set to thrive this springBAYER NZ/SUPPLIED Long hot summers and mild winters have stacked up perfect conditions for a flea infestation, a Kiwi vet says. Bayer New Zealand vet Dr Kirstie Inglis has warned a mild winter and a forecast long hot summer will create perfect conditions for a massive flea outbreak this year. 123RF Only five per cent of fleas live on pets as adults, the rest live in the environment as pupae and eggs. "The remaining 95 per cent live in the environment as eggs, larvae and pupae which develop into adults," Inglis said. New adult fleas can take up to six months to leave their cocoons, so can spend a winter cycle indoors.

Source: Stuff September 26, 2016 07:28 UTC