Fleas
What do they look like?
Adult fleas are normally 1-4mm long, brownish in
colour, without wings but with powerful legs adapted for jumping
and piercing, sucking mouthparts. Their bodies are covered with
backward projecting spines that help them move between the hairs on
the host animal. Cat and dog fleas are usually found together
and are similar in appearance. Female fleas can live up to two
years, during which time they can lay up to 1000 eggs each. The
female cat flea’s head is twice as long as it is wide. Both cat and
dog fleas have a row of very heavy spines on the front of the head
(genal comb) and on the back part of the first body segment
(pronotal comb). Cat and dog flea larvae are ¼inch long when fully
developed and look much like fly maggots. They have 13 body
segments, are a dirty-white colour with backward projecting hairs
on each body segment. They also have a pair of hook-like appendages
on the last abdominal segment.
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 with their piercing and sucking
mouthparts. Cat and dog fleas prefer feeding on cats and dogs, but
also feed on humans. Cat and dog fleas go through complete
metamorphosis. The females lay four to eight eggs after each blood
meal. The eggs fall into the nest of the host animal or wherever
the animal happens to be at that time. The eggs hatch in about 10
days.
How much of a pest are they?
Disease transmission
Fleas are not thought to transmit any serious illness
to humans.
Flea bites
Although not all people are affected by flea bites,
they can cause severe irritation.
How can I get rid of pests?
Ealing council provide
pest control service for the treatment of
fleas, including details of the treatment and post treatment
advice. You can also control pests through several other
methods:
•
hygiene - regular 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. The insecticide is applied to all floor
surfaces.
Note: these areas must then not be vacuumed or washed for at
least 10 days after the treatment, or longer if possible.
When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label.
LeafletsA leaflet on fleas is available in pdf format.