| Fleas are very small specialised parasitic insects. Adult fleas are bloodsuckers, feeding on mammals such as dogs, cats and humans as well as other animals and sometimes birds. |
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Characteristics
Fleas have well-developed hind legs which enable them to jump up to 500mm (1/2 a meter) they also have tiny claws on their legs that enable them to grapple onto host animals. Fleas undergo a complete metamorphous (like the caterpillar) whereby the adult flea resemble nothing of the nymph or larval stage. The adult flea usually lays between 4 – 8 eggs after every blood meal. In her lifetime she may lay several hundred.
Where they live
Most eggs are laid on the host animal; and as these usually fall off, they can be spread to virtually any area visited by the host animal. Eggs hatch in 2 – 14days. Larvae feed on any organic material in the form of crumbs, human skin scales and any other debris that can be found. The larvae usually feed for 10 – 15 days. When feeding is complete the larvae spins a silken cocoon where it pupates (transforms) into an adult flea. The pupa stage may take as little as 7 days however in adverse conditions this stage has been known to take as long as a year to complete.
How they attack
Pupae are stimulated to emerge from their cocoon by vibrations and warmth often associated with the movements of a potential host animal. Once hatched the adult fleas immediately feed on a blood meal from the unsuspecting host. The entire life cycle can take as little as 18days or up to a year.
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Flea control measures
Effective flea control often relies on the well-directed application of chemical insecticides backed up by good house keeping and cleaning procedures undertaken by the homeowner / occupier. Chemical formulations only successfully target the larval and adult stages of the flea. The pupa stage is not affected by chemical treatments instead the effective control of this stage relies on the adult flea emerging from the cocoon and coming in to contact with residual insecticides on floor and carpets.
Flea prevention procedures
- Prior to chemical treatment all floors and carpets should be cleaned and vacuumed.
- Dogs and cats should undergo flea treatment on the same day as chemical control.
- Once chemical treatments are dry, usually 1-2 hrs, all areas and rooms should be re-occupied. (If areas are not occupied pupa stages will not have a chance to emerge)
- 1 week after treatment, normal housekeeping activities should be resumed.