Reasons for control
Fleas can give an irritating bite.
Biology
- Some of the flea species present in the UK are: The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), Human flea (Pulex irritans), dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis), Oriental rat flea (Xenopsylla cheopis).
- There is estimated to be up to 60 species of flea present in the UK.
- The cat flea is by far the most common flea to come into contact with humans.
- They have four main stages to their life cycle: Egg – Larva – Pupa - Adult
- Eggs - white and are laid on clothing, bedding or fur on host. They hatch within 2-3 days of being laid.
- Larva – They are legless and like humid places e.g. bedding. They moult 2–3 times and take about 3-4 weeks to grow.
- Pupa – Cocoon spun by the larva. Development is temperature dependent. They only emerge when they sense vibrations.
- Adult – about 2mm long, shiny brown with large hind legs.
- The larva stage of the cat flea feed on dust, debris, flakes of skin, fur and dead insects.
- Adult female cat fleas require blood from felines to breed, however they will still feed on human blood.
- Although some flea species transmit disease to humans there is little evidence to suggest that cat fleas transmit any diseases to humans.
- Fleas can jump about 6 inches into the air.
- Fleas can remain dormant for long periods of time in the pupa stage.
Prevention & control
- Vacuum and clean carpets and bedding thoroughly on a regular basis.
- Use flea collars on pets and treat them regularly.
Treatment
- Flea infestations must be attacked from lots of different angles at the same time.
- The adult fleas should be controlled while on the host or on bedding, carpets, sofas, chairs etc. This can be achieved by using a contract insecticide approved for such use. Guildford Borough Council use a suspension concentrate containing 1% Deltamethrin.
- Treatment of pets only with approved veterinary products.
- Throw away vacuum bags and wash or dispose of bedding that is infested.
Please contact the pest officer for further advice an appointment.