Markings - Reddish brown in colour flattened laterally with large jumping legs.

Location - Found on pets, animal bedding and floor areas.

Detection - Visual sighting, bites on pets and people.

You may first become alerted that your pets may have fleas by them scratching.  This is usually confirmed either by seeing fleas or flea droppings in the coat, droppings are small black specks mainly composed of dried blood, and are usually seen in clusters lying next to the skin.  They are easy to spot in light coloured animals by brushing back the hair, on 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 of a flea:

To appreciate the best methods of controlling flea infestations, it is important to understand the life cycle of the flea.  Whilst adult fleas spend some time on dogs and cats, most of the life cycle including all the eggs and larvae stages, takes place in the pet's environment.  A typical life cycle therefore may be:

An adult female jumps onto your pet whilst he or she is outside.

The flea feeds on your pet, and then once in your home, lays her eggs.  Generally the eggs are laid in your pet's fur, but they soon drop off into the dwelling area, in such sites as pet basket upholstery.

Depending on the temperature and humidity, the flea eggs usually hatch within 2 - 16 days.

It then spins a cocoon, thus forming a pupa in which a new adult flea develops.

The pupae stage lasts 10-17 days under average conditions, but may be prolonged for low temperatures.

When the adult flea finally emerges from the pupa, it actively seeks a blood meal, and the cycle begins all over again.

In humans, flea bites can produce an allergic reaction.  The typical symptoms to a flea bite is a small red spot 5mm or so in diameter.  In sensitive individuals, however, the response can be worse and the bite intensely itchy.

Control Programme:

Fleas can be found at different stages of development on pets and in the bedding area.  Successful treatment will only be achieved over a period of time to control the life cycle of fleas.  Pets should be treated with a veterinary product, once treated allow the dog or cat to use areas within the home where fleas are present as the treatment will control fleas in all areas.  Pet bedding should be destroyed or washed in hot soapy water.

The following must be carried out:

All floors and upholstered furniture should be vacuumed daily to remove animal hair, eggs and pupae.  Particular attention should be given to the area where pets rest, under furniture, under chairs sofa cushions, and along walls.  The vacuum bag will contain flea eggs and pupae, and so should be put in an outside waste bin.

All articles such as clothes, linen and toys should be removed from the floor so the areas can be treated or vacuumed.

All tile and concrete floors should be swept and washed or vacuumed.

(Do not vacuum due to new hatching.  The control of fleas is usually expected after several days).

The directions on how to apply pesticides 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 safely and only as directed, it is illegal to use pesticides in all other ways.