pest - Flea Control

Fleas are parasites feeding on warm-blooded animals such as cats and dogs. They cause irritation and pets often scratch or bite at the affected areas. Cat and dog fleas may also bite humans causing skin irritation and allergic reactions. Adult fleas are 2mm long, wingless and vary in colour from greyish to dark brown. They are well adapted to their way of life - their 'armour' makes it almost impossible to squash them, and their narrow body allows them to move around very quickly among hairs or feathers. Their back legs are highly developed enabling them to jump considerable heights. Three types of flea found in the UK are the cat flea (the most common in Britain in the home), the dog flea, and the human flea (very rare). Why are they a problem? Fleas are known to carry disease and can also be responsible for the transmission of parasitic worms such as dog tapeworm. In the UK, however, fleas are not generally responsible for the spread of infection but can and do inflict unpleasant bites on their host. In humans, flea bites will be seen as a tiny dark red spot surrounded by a reddened area. The bite will irritate for a few days. In some cases people become extra sensitive to them. How do they breed? Fleas pass though three stages before emerging as adults. Flea eggs are too small to be seen with the naked eye. They are laid in a variety of locations which include the fur of the host or in its bedding. The eggs hatch in about one week into small legless larvae, which feed on a mixture of dead insects, skin particles and the droppings of the adult flea. Flea larvae like to live in dark humid places such as carpets and animal bedding. The larvae then pupate, and after about three weeks, adult fleas hatch in response to vibrations made by a passing host. The complete life cycle will normally take four weeks but could take longer at low temperatures. Flea bites Although not all people are affected by flea bites, they can cause severe irritation. How can I get rid of fleas? pest.uk provide a pest control service for the treatment of fleas, including details of the treatment and post treatment. For more information call our free helpline.