Flea problem ‘especially bad’ this year in Delaware Valley

Fleas have always been a threat for your pets, but experts say this year has been especially bad in the Delaware Valley.

A veterinary dermatologist at the University of Pennsylvania tells NewsWorks health reporter Carolyn Beeler the flea problem is probably worse due to the weather.

“When the relative humidity gets to 70 percent or greater, the survival of flea eggs and their ability to hatch increases fourfold,” veterinary dermatologist Daniel Morris said. As a result, the wetter the summer, the better the chance flea eggs will hatch.

Morris tells NewsWorks it’s best to treat all pets with preventive flea and tick medication.

Although bugs outdoors tend to die after being exposed to periods of freezing temperatures, Morris says he treats his own pets with medication all year.