Fleas

Description

• Adult fleas live exclusively as parasites of warm blooded animals, like cats, dogs and humans.

• They will feed on a host which is not their first choice where circumstances dictate; most commonly cat or dog fleas can feed on humans.

• Cat fleas are responsible for 75% of flea infestations.

Life Cycle

The flea eggs 0.5 mm long are laid pearly white, oval and slightly sticky generally on the hair, bedding or clothing of the host. The threadlike larvae (1.5 mm) hatch in approximately a week and thrive in dark humid places.  After 2-3 weeks and two moults they grow to 5mm long and spin their cocoons for pupation. Fleas formed in cocoons may ‘overwinter’ at this stage but otherwise emerge by the stimulation of vibration, usually of the host. This is why attacks sometimes take place when a premise has been left empty, e.g. when a house is for sale, or the host returns from holiday!  In favourable conditions the life cycle is normally completed in 4 weeks.

Before Treatment

• First, clear as much floor space as possible, to ensure that treatment is as thorough as possible.
• Vacuum all areas as this helps to remove any debris, eggs, larvae and adult fleas.  The vibration of the vacuum cleaner also helps to stimulate adults to hatch from their cocoon stage.  Pay particular attention to areas where your pet may sleep.
• Remember to remove the bag from the vacuum and dispose of it in an outside bin as you may have collected eggs, larvae and adult fleas.

• Pets must also be treated with a product approved for veterinary use and their bedding thoroughly washed at a high temperature.

After Treatment

• The insecticide will be applied to all floor surfaces and these areas must not be vacuumed or washed for at least 10 days after the treatment, or longer if possible.
• New adult fleas may still emerge up to a month after treatment but there should still be sufficient insecticide present to kill them off.

E-mail:

environmental.health
@thanet.gov.uk 

Phone:

01843 577580

Fax:

01843