Fleas

Description

Fleas are blood sucking insects that feed on warm blooded animals. They are between 1½ - 5 mm in length, oval in shape (when viewed from the side) and are very thin/flat, which enables them to move easily through the hairs of their host. Fleas are brown in colour and have extremely powerful hind legs adapted for jumping.

As known carriers of disease, fleas and can be responsible for the transmission of parasitic worms. They are not generally responsible for the spread of infection in the UK, but can inflict unpleasant bites on their host which are seen as tiny red spots surrounded by a reddened area. The bite remains irritating for 1-2 days and, in some cases, may lead to hypersensitivity. To reduce the irritation use ointments available from your local chemist.

Lifestyle

Female fleas lay eggs on their host or in animal nest/bedding. The eggs pass through normal insect stages of:

The adult flea emerges when stimulated by vibration such as an animal or human walking by.

Adults can stay in the pupal stage for long periods and both pupae and adult flea can survive up to 12 months without a host to feed on. This explains why houses that have been empty for long periods can harbour active fleas long after the host, such as a domestic cat, has left.

There are several species of flea including human, cat and dog fleas. Although each species has a preferred host, both cat and dog fleas can be found on other animals, including humans. Of all the species the cat flea is probably the most commonly found in domestic situations - practically all cats will pick up fleas at some time so it is wise to take precautions, such as fitting with a flea collar.

Control

Check your pets regularly by grooming with a flea comb and dispose of any found by placing it under water in a small bowl. Flea collars remain effective for several months and further advice on preventive measures can be obtained from a veterinary surgeon.

Pets infected with fleas should be treated with proprietary flea treatments which are available from chemists, veterinary surgeons and most large supermarkets. The manufacturers instructions should be strictly adhered to and be aware some pets may be sensitive to insecticides - if in doubt, seek advice from a vet.

When a flea problem is detected the premises must be treated as well as the animal. The animal's bedding should be cleaned, preferably using a vacuum cleaner, then laundered or sprayed with an insecticide designed for the purpose. A small amount of insecticide powder may be placed in the vacuum cleaner bag before use in order to kill any insects collected in the cleaner. Dispose of dust bags responsibly and immediately after use. If insecticides are used in kitchens or food areas take care not to contaminate food.

Pest Control Service

Elmbridge Borough Council provides a pest control service for the treatment of premises infested with fleas.

If you would like to take advantage of this service please visit our |pest control service webpage where you can contact us to arrange an appointment.

Prior to any treatment a number of actions should be taken by the householder - see |advice prior to pest control treatment.

Note: There is little point treating a premises for fleas if the infested animal is not treated around the same time. Our Pest Control Officer is not permitted to carry out treatments to animals so we advise that you treat your animal for fleas if you make a pest control appointment.