Common Pests – Fleas

Description

Fleas are very common parasites of warm-blooded animals. Different species of flea live off different animals, although they are by no means found exclusively on that particular host. The following are common to the UK:

• Cat flea
• Dog flea
• Human flea
• Rabbit flea
• Tropical rat flea
• Hedgehog flea
• Bird flea
• Mole flea

They range from 1-8mm long and are normally brownish in colour. Flea eggs are approximately half a mm long, pearly white in colour, and laid on a pet or in it’s bedding.

Lifecycle and Habits

Although preferring the summer months and warm environments such as centrally heated households, fleas can remain active all year round. Wall to wall carpeting, bedding and central heating in a home create ideal conditions in which flea larvae can develop.

Typically, adult female fleas will jump onto their host while it is outside. These will then feed on the host, and once in the home they will begin to lay eggs. Generally, these are laid in pet fur or bedding, but soon drop off into dwelling areas such as baskets or carpets. A female flea is capable of laying as many as 400-800 eggs, usually in batches of up to 20, during its lifetime (approximately 2 years).

Depending on temperature, the eggs will usually hatch within 2-16 days. The emerging larvae are active, hiding from light and feeding on dust and flea droppings. It takes between 7-10 days for each larvae to fully develop. From this, the adult flea then takes another 10-17 days to develop, under average conditions. When the adult flea emerges, it will begin to actively seek a blood meal, and the lifecycle begins once again.

What Fleas Eat

They feed on the blood of their hosts.

Problems Linked to Fleas

In the UK, fleas are not often responsible for transmitting disease, however, dog fleas in particular can transmit the dog tapeworm to humans.

In humans, fleabites can produce an allergic reaction. The typical symptoms to a flea bite are a small red spot 5mm or so in diameter. In sensitive individuals, the response can be worse and the bite intensely itchy.

What to look out for

You will probably be alerted to the existence of fleas as your pet may constantly scratch itself, or you may develop skin irritations or reactions to bites.

The existence of fleas can be confirmed by the identification of flea droppings, which are small and black in colour. These normally contain dried blood, and are often found in clusters next to the skin.

If you do have a pet, they are easily spotted in light haired animals by brushing back the hair. However, in dark coated animals it may be better to comb the animal over a sheet of paper onto which the flea droppings will then fall. To identify whether these black objects are in fact flea dropping, simply add a few drops of water to them. If they are flea droppings, they will turn red.

Preventing or dealing with an infestation

Prevention is better than cure and flea collars, powders and other treatments for animals will act as a repellant to fleas. Regular washing and cleaning of pet’s bedding will also help prevent an infestation. Regular vacuuming is another good preventative measure.

Since fleas, at various stages of their development, can be found both on and off the animal, complete flea control should involve treating domestic pets and dwelling areas. In order for you to achieve best results, the following must be carried out:

• All floors and upholstered furniture should be vacuumed to remove animal hair, organic debris, flea eggs and pupae. Particular attention should be given to the areas where pets have been allowed to roam and rest, such as under furniture, under chair and sofa cushions, cracks and crevices in floors and along walls. The vacuum bag will contain flea eggs and pupae so should be disposed of immediately in an outside waste bin.
• All articles such as clothes, linen and toys should be removed from the floor so the entire surface can be treated.
• All tile and concrete floors should be swept and washed or vacuumed.
• Any cats and dogs should be treated for fleas and with an animal insecticide recommended specifically for that purpose. Pet bedding should be destroyed or washed in hot soapy water to destroy immature and adult fleas.

After insecticide treatment, do not vacuum for at least 10-14 days. This will give the powder a chance to eliminate all stages of flea infestation and growth.

Fleas may be observed after treatment due to new hatching, and so elimination of fleas should not be expected for several days. You can treat minor infestations yourself, suitable insecticides can be obtained from chemists, pet shops and vets. Pyrethrins are used as they are relatively safe to mammals. The directions on how to apply insecticides should always be followed.

Professional help

It may be advisable to contact a reputable Pest Control company, either for advice, or to carry out a professional treatment. The British Pest Control Association has a list of its member companies on its website, for all areas.