FLEAS
Fleas have no friends. They are parasites of warm blooded animals, particularly dogs and cats. Throughout the ages, they have made life miserable for both man and beast. Relief is available through the application of modern pest management technology.
BIOLOGY
Although there are over 2000 species of flea, the most common is the cat flea. Despite its name (and preference) it is adaptable and is found living on both cats and dogs. Occasionally they bite humans when desperate for a blood meal to provide protein for egg production. Several hundred eggs are laid during a female’s lifetime. Small, white and smooth, the eggs freely drop off to cause infestation in areas frequented by the host.
White legless larvae hatch and feed on food debris, skin scales and the blood rich faeces of the adult fleas. About two weeks later, the larvae spin a silken cocoon, pupate and await the vibrations that signify the passing of a prospective host.This may explain why hordes of fleas appear ‘on cue’ when you enter your home after being away on holidays. Nevertheless, fleas can remain in virtual hibernation in the pupal stage for up to a year and still survive.
Adult fleas have flattened bodies and they move easily through dense hair or fur. Each of the 6 legs has a pair of claws at the tip to enable them to remain attached regardless of scratching. The hind legs are well developed for jumping onto a passing host.
A flea population builds up rapidly. With female fleas laying hundreds of eggs, most of which proceed through the larval and pupal stages to adult, and with a spring and early summer life cycle as short as 21 days, a “plague of fleas” is an almost yearly occurrence.
DISEASES AND FLEAS
The black or bubonic plague of the Middle Ages and even modern times is a disease transmitted by fleas biting humans after they have bitten rats. Another disease transmitted by flea activity is murine typhus. Fleas are also responsible for a variety of problems ranging from simple itching to allergic reactions and the spread of tapeworms.
MANAGEMENT
Successful management of this pest depends on a variety of factors including familiarity with the flea biology and habits, skilled inspection techniques, informed pesticide selection and careful application methods. If practicable, floors and any furnishings used by pets should be vacuum cleaned before treatment. As vacuuming will sometimes stimulate the pupae to emerge as adult fleas, the vacuum cleaner bag should be disposed of immediately.
Very effective products, including insect growth regulators of low toxicity to mammals, are available for application by professional pest managers. Application to harbourages, particularly the areas where pets rest or sleep, will eliminate resident flea populations.
To reduce the risk of reinfestation, pet bedding should be washed or replaced and the pet treated with an appropriate product on the advice of your veterinarian.
