Fleas are a parasite, meaning their habitat is you! They tend to infest animals and in turn feed off of humans when available. Treating only the animal won't solve the problem for long. Unlike other parasites, flea eggs do not stick to the host they fall to to the ground where they incubate until they grow enough to start feeding. Flea bombs are something to consider along with pet treatment.
What are Fleas?
- Adult Fleas are small wingless insects (2-3 mm), flattened side to side and red-brown in colour.
- All adult fleas are parasitic on warm-blooded animals.
- The larval (maggot-like) stages live in the nests or bedding of the host animal, feeding on skin, feathers and the ‘blood-based’ faeces of the adult flea.
- The larvae spin cocoons in which the larvae develops into an adult.
- The adult will hatch from the cocoon when a host is detected (usually from vibrations generated by the host).
- The complete life-cycle of the flea takes about 4-6 weeks.
- The Cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is the cause of over 75% of flea infestations, and readily bites humans.
- The Human flea and Bird flea are next of importance.
What problems can Fleas cause?
- In some parts of the world Fleas are carriers of disease, such as tapeworms, typhus and the bubonic plague. Rat fleas, in particular, are a prevalent source of murine typhus.
- Fleas are less of a concern from a disease perspective. However, their bites, visible as deep red spots within a reddened area are painful and irritating, and can lead to secondary infections.
How are Fleas controlled?
- Fleas are controlled by a combination of methods.
- Always treat infested pets with a special veterinary insecticide-based powder or shampoo.
- Remove infested bedding and wash in very hot water.
- Use a suitable insecticidal spray or dust to treat all cracks and crevices in walls and floors where fleas are active.
- Use a special Flea Trap (see right) to monitor and catch fleas.
|
|
|
