Fleas
Adult fleas are normally 1- 8mm long, brownish in colour, no wings
but muscular legs adapted for jumping. The potential life span of a
female flea is two years during which she can lay up to 1000
eggs.
The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) causes most flea infestations.
The significance of this is explained by the increased number of
pets being kept and the tendency for their beds to be neglected
during cleaning. Wall to wall carpeting also provides a relatively
undisturbed environment for flea larvae to develop.
Fleas are objectionable because of the bites they inflict and
because of the social stigma attached to humans with flea
infestations. Flea bites are identified as a tiny dark red spot
surrounded by a reddened area. The intensely irritating bite
persists for one or two days.
Control
The Pest Control Officer can treat your premises using a
combination of insecticides and growth regulators. However in order
to assist in this process you should carry out the following:
The adult flea feeds on its animal host (normally a cat or dog).
The host animal MUST be treated to control the adult flea. Consult
a veterinary surgeon for treatment methods.
Ensure your premises are cleaned on a regular basis. This will deny
the flea their breeding site and so make an important contribution
towards their control.
Placing insect powder into your vacuum bag before vacuuming the
floor and soft furnishings. This will kill any fleas
vacuumed.
After the Pest Control Officer has carried out the treatment of
your premises do not vacuum for at least 7 days.
The treatment may take a few weeks to be entirely successful, as
new adult fleas will hatch from eggs left in carpets etc.
You can carry out your own spot treatments of your premises using
an amateur approved insecticide. Consult your veterinary surgeon or
the Pest Control Officer for product information.
