The Flea

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The adult flea is between 2 - 7mm long and brownish in colour. Their bodies are narrow, allowing them to move quickly through thick fur.  The legs are large, relative to their body size, enabling them to jump a long way.

The most common fleas are:

  • The Dog Flea
  • The Cat Flea
  • The Dog Flea
  • The Human Flea

Flea Distribution

Fleas only exist as parasites on warm-blooded animals. Although each species of flea has a preferred host, they can exist and feed on other hosts.  For example, cat and dog fleas can exist on humans.  Fleas can also be found in the host's bedding.

Cat fleas are the most plentiful, accounting for around 75% of all flea infestations.  Flea populations reach their maximum in September.

Flea Significance

Fleas are known to carry diseases and also parasitic worms, such as the dog tapeworm.  However, in the UK, fleas are generally not responsible for the spread of dangerous infections.  But they do inflict painful bites on their host, which show as a small red dots, surrounded by a red area.

Flea Biology

Flea eggs are small, oval shaped and white in colour. They can be laid anywhere, such as in a host's fur, feathers or bedding. The eggs hatch in about one week into a white larvae. The larvae thrive in dark, dank conditions and grow for about two or three weeks. Next, they spin a cocoon and begin their transformation. After seven weeks, the adult flea usually emerges, though this can be delayed by the onset of Winter. A flea's life-cycle takes around 4 weeks in total.

Flea Pest Control

The most important first step is to thoroughly clean the affected areas and treat any infected hosts.

  • Wash infected bedding and clothing

  • Vacuum carpeted areas and soft furnishings. Careful disposal of the vacuum bag is important to avoid a repeat flea infestation.

  • Treat any flea infested pets with flea powder or a collar

The next step is to use insecticidal spray on flea infested areas. A single spray treatment of the carpets and soft furnishings will be made and all treated areas should be left undisturbed for eight to ten days.

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