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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.
Lifestyle
Female fleas lay eggs on their host or in animal nest/bedding. The eggs pass through normal insect stages of egg, larva and pupa. The adult flea only emerges when stimulated by vibration, such as an animal or human walking by.
Adults can stay in their pupal stage for long periods before emerging and both the pupae and the adults can survive 8 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.
Significance
Fleas are known carriers of disease and can be responsible for the transmission of parasitic worms. In the UK fleas are not generally responsible for the spread of infection but can inflict unpleasant bites on their host. Flea bites can be 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. The irritation can be reduced by using ointments available from your local chemist.
Control
It is important to check pets regularly for any sign of fleas by grooming with a flea comb. If a flea is found it can be disposed of by placing it under water in a small bowl. Flea collars remain effective for several months. Further advice on preventive measures can be obtained from a veterinary surgeon.
Pets infected with fleas should be treated with proprietary flea treatments available from chemists or veterinary surgeons and the manufacturers instructions should be strictly adhered to. Care is required as pets may be sensitive to some insecticides, if in doubt, the advice of a veterinary surgeon should be obtained.
When a flea problem is detected it is essential that the premises is 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 teaspoonfull of insecticide powder may be placed in the cleaner bag prior to use in order to kill any insects collected in the cleaner. Dispose of dust bags immediately after use.
Care should be exercised if insecticides are to be used in kitchens or food areas because of the risk of contaminating food. Follow the manufacturers instructions.
Elmbridge Borough Council provides a service for the treatment of premises infested with fleas (Note: |A charge is made for this service), however our Pest Control Officer will not treat the animal.
If you would like to take advantage of our pest control service either:
Please be aware that there is very little point in treating the premises unless the animal is disinfested at the same time, and if you make an appointment for the Pest Control Officer to call you should ensure that the animal concerned will be treated at the same time. The Pest Control Officer cannot carry out treatments to animals.
| Related Pages: |
| Flea control |Env Health Leaflet - Flea Advice (Documents) |