Flea

Adult fleas are small (averages 2mm in size) wingless insects, with flattened and red-brown, with backwardly directed spines and legs designed for jumping.

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 when 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 summertime due to the heat.

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. 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.

Preventing fleas on your pets can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of an infestation. Regularly applying veterinary-approved flea products to your pet is crucial. These products help protect your pet from fleas and should be used consistently. Additionally, frequently vacuuming the areas where your pet spends time, particularly carpeted areas and furniture, can help minimize the risk of fleas.

Regular cleaning is also essential in preventing fleas. Washing your pet’s bedding, blankets, and other washable items in the hottest water possible can kill any flea eggs or larvae present. In addition to indoor cleaning, maintaining a tidy garden can reduce the chances of a flea infestation. Keeping your lawn mowed and raking up leaves, grass, and bush clippings can create a less hospitable environment for fleas.

Controlling fleas is important even though there is little evidence in the U.K. that fleas spread disease. Flea bites can cause intense irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. People may react differently to flea bites in terms of severity and the time it takes to show symptoms. This irritation can be particularly bothersome, making flea control a priority for pet owners.

One of the first signs of a flea infestation is pets constantly scratching. This can be confirmed by spotting fleas or flea droppings in your pet’s coat. For light-colored animals, these signs are easily visible by brushing back the hair. For dark-coated breeds, combing the animal over a sheet of paper can help highlight any flea droppings. If the black specks turn red when water is added, it indicates the presence of fleas.

Humans can also be affected by flea bites, which typically result in small red spots about 5mm in diameter. These bites often occur around the ankles and legs and can cause irritating and allergic reactions. Additionally, if you have an active flea infestation in your home, you might see fleas jumping on carpets and furniture. These signs necessitate immediate action to address the infestation.

For severe flea infestations, contacting professionals like Shire Pest Solutions is highly recommended. Trained pest control experts have the technical knowledge and access to professional insecticides that are not available to the public. Before treatment, clear as much floor space as possible and vacuum all areas to remove debris, eggs, larvae, and adult fleas. The standard treatment involves applying a residual insecticide to all floor surfaces. Avoid vacuuming or washing the floors for at least 1 to 2 weeks to ensure the treatment’s effectiveness.