Fleas
What do they look like?
 Fleas are normally 1 - 4mm long, brownish in colour, without wings but with
powerful legs adapted for jumping. Female fleas can live up to two years,
during which time they can lay up to 1000 eggs each.
Where do they live?
 Adult fleas live exclusively as parasites of warm-blooded animals. The
females lay their eggs close to or on the infested animal. Wall-to-wall
carpeting and soft furnishings also provide a relatively undisturbed
environment for fleas to develop. They can also live in cracks and crevices in
bare floors.
What do they eat?
Larvae feed on debris and adult flea droppings. Adult fleas feed solely on
blood.
Pest Status
Disease transmission
Fleas are not thought to transmit any serious illnesses to humans.
Flea bites
Although not all people are affected by flea-bites, they can cause severe
irritation.
Control
Hygiene
Cleaning, particularly with a vacuum cleaner, will help prevent the build-up of
infestation by removing eggs and larvae from floors, furniture and where pets
sleep.
Treatment of pets
In order to achieve effective control, pets MUST also be treated with a product
approved for veterinary use.
Chemical
The standard treatment for infested premises is the application of a residual
insecticide, either as a powder or a liquid spray. This should be applied by a
qualified pest control technician.
The insecticide is applied to all floor surfaces, and these areas must not be
vacuumed or washed for at least 14 days after the treatment, or longer if
possible.
Patience
New adult fleas may still be emerging from cocoons up to a month after
treatment, there should still be sufficient insecticide to kill them off. |
