FLEA'S
FLEAS
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The most common species of Flea is the Cat Flea which is known for biting humans.These are followed by the Dog Flea, although other species may
become temporarily attached to dogs and brought into your home or work place.
Appearance
Adult fleas are small (averages 2mm in size) wingless insects, with flattened and red-brown, with backwardly directed spines and legs designed for jumping.
Characteristics
All adult Fleas need warm-blooded animals as hosts. The females lay their eggs after feeding on the infested animal. Female Fleas can live up to two years, during which time they can lay up to 1000 eggs. The eggs drop onto the floor and on the animal's bedding. After several days the eggs will develop into larvae and spin silken cocoons. When fully developed the adult waits within this until it detects the vibrations caused by a potential host animal or human. Only then does it emerge. The complete lifecycle takes about a month in the summer time due to the heat.
Habitat
Mainly active in communal rooms where pets sleep and where there is most activity. Fleas are generally found to be living on pets, in carpets, pet bedding and upholstered furniture.
Diet
Adult Fleas feed on the blood of humans and animals. The larval stages feed on skin, feathers and, most importantly, the blood-rich faeces of the adult flea.
How do I prevent a Fleas?
It's difficult to prevent your pets from getting Fleas. However there are some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting them:
- Pet Care - Applying veterinary approved Flea products to your pet on a regular basis.
- Vacuuming - Frequently vacuum the areas your pet is around, especially carpeted areas in and any furniture that is frequented by your pet.
- Washing - Regularly wash your pet's bedding, blanket and other washable items in the hottest water possible.
- Gardening - Try and keep your garden neat and tidy by mowing your lawn and raking up any leaves, grass or bush clippings.
Why control Fleas?
There is little evidence in the U.K that Fleas spread disease. However Flea bites can cause intense irritation around the bite. Certain people react differently to a bite, both in terms of degree of reaction and time taken to react.
Signs of a Flea infestation
- Pets constantly scratching may be the first sign, which can be confirmed either by seeing fleas or flea droppings in the coat of your pet. These signs are easily spotted in light coloured animals by brushing back the hair. In dark coated breeds it may be better to comb the animal over a sheet of paper to highlight any flea droppings as they fall. The identity of the black specks may be confirmed by adding a few drops of water, if they turn red, your pet has fleas.
- Bites on you or family members usually around ankles and legs. In humans, flea bites can produce an irritating and allergic reaction. The typical symptom of a flea bite is a small red spot about 5mm in diameter.
- If you have an active infestation, you may see Fleas jumping in your carpet and furniture.
How to get rid of Fleas:
For a Flea infestation, we strongly recommend you contact us at Shire Pest Solutions . We are trained professionals and have the technical knowledge and access to professional insecticides which are not available to the public.
Prior to an insecticide treatment, clear as much floor space as possible. To ensure that treatment is as thorough as possible. Vacuuming all areas helps to remove any debris, eggs, larvae and adult fleas. The vibration of the vacuum cleaner also helps to stimulate adults to hatch from their cocoon stage.
Remember to remove the waste from the vacuum cleaner, and dispose of it in an outside bin as you may have collected eggs, larvae and adult fleas while vacuuming.
The standard treatment for infested premises is the application of a residual insecticide such as a liquid spray. The insecticide is applied to all floor surfaces. Ensure you do not vacuum or wash the floors for at least 1 to 2 weeks (or longer if possible), or you'll be in danger of eliminating the residual insecticide which will lead to a failed treatment.