Fleas

Fleas are very common, and it is likely that every dog and cat will carry them at some stage during its life. Certainly every pet is at risk from fleas, especially during the summer, and in a warm environment such as a centrally heated home. Fleas can remain active all year round. Every pet owner should therefore have some understanding of the flea life-cycle and the problems fleas can cause for animals and humans alike.

Does your pet have fleas?

You will probably first become aware of the fact that your pet may have fleas by his or her constant scratching. Your suspicion can then be confirmed either by seeing fleas or flea droppings in the coat. Flea droppings are small black specks mainly composed of dried blood, and they are usually seen in clusters lying next to the skin. They are easy to spot in light coloured animals by brushing back the hair. In dark coated breeds it may be better to comb the animal over a sheet of paper onto which any flea droppings will then fall. The identity of the black specks may be confirmed by adding a few drops of water: if they turn red, your pet has fleas.

Life Cycle

To appreciate the best methods of controlling flea infestations, it is important to understand the life-cycle of the flea.

Whilst adult fleas spend long periods on dogs and cats, most of the life-cycle, including all the egg and larvae stages, takes place in the pet's environment. A typical life-cycle, therefore, might be:

• An adult female flea jumps onto your pet whilst it is outside.
• The flea feeds on your pet, and then once in your home, lays many eggs.
• Generally these eggs are laid in your pet's fur, but they soon drop off into the dwelling area, in such sites as pet baskets, on carpets, or in upholstery.
• During her lifetime a single female flea may lay as many as 400-500 eggs usually in batches of up to 20.
• Depending on temperature and humidity, the flea eggs hatch within 2-16 days of being laid.
• The larvae which emerge are active, hide from light and feed on household dust and adult flea droppings. It takes 7 - 10 days for each larvae to fully develop.
• It then spins a cocoon, thus forming a pupa in which a new adult flea develops.
• The pupal stage lasts 10 - 17 days under average conditions, but may be prolonged for several months at low temperatures.
• When the adult flea finally emerges from the pupa, it actively seeks a blood meal, and the life-cycle starts all over again.
• In humans, flea bites can produce an allergic reaction. The typical symptom of a flea bite is a small red spot 5mm of so in diameter. In sensitive individuals, however, the response can be worse and the bite intensely itchy.

The control of fleas

Since fleas, at various stages of their development, can be found both on and off the animal, complete flea control will involve treating both pet and its dwelling area. In order for you to achieve the best results the following MUST be carried out:

• All floors and upholstered furniture should be vacuumed to remove animal hair, organic debris, flea eggs and pupae. Particular attention should be given to the areas where pets have been allowed to roam and rest, such as under furniture, under chair and sofa cushions, cracks and crevices in floors and along walls. The vacuum bag will contain flea eggs and pupae, and so should be disposed of in an outside waste bin.
• All articles such as clothes, linen and toys should be removed from the floor so the entire surface can be treated.
• All tile and concrete floors should be swept and washed or vacuumed.
• Any cats and dogs should be treated for fleas with an insecticide recommended for this purpose.
• Pet bedding should be destroyed or washed in hot soapy water to destroy immature and adult fleas.
• Do not vacuum for at least 10-14 days after treatment. This will give a chance for the powder to eliminate all stages of flea infestation.
• Fleas may be observed after treatment due to new hatching, and so elimination of fleas should not be expected for several days.

The directions on how to apply this Pesticide are clearly shown on the Product Label and under the Control of Pesticides Regulations. A Pesticide should only be applied as detailed on the label. It is the responsibility of the owner to use a Pesticide only in that way as it is illegal to use a Pesticide in any other way.