Fleas (Siphonaptera)
Appearance
Fleas are Dark reddish-brown, flat insects, about 1/6-inch in length.
Habits
Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of any warm-blooded body.
The most common species is the cat flea, which feeds on cats, dogs and humans.
The female lays 4 to 8 eggs after each blood meal and the majority of which are laid on the host.
Fleas transport themselves on rodents and other mammals. They infest both household pests and wild animals.
Fleas use their powerful legs to jump as high as 8 inches vertically and 16 inches horizontally.
They usually remain on their warm-blooded hosts at all times.
They can also be found on shoes, pant legs, or blankets, which can transfer the fleas to new environments.
They are often found infesting opossums, raccoons, and skunks in urban settings.
Threats
Fleas are the most common transmitter of the rare Bubonic Plague. They also transmit the bacterial disease murine typhus to humans through infected rats.
Their saliva can cause serious Flea Allergy Dermatitis in pets, and their debris has been reported to cause similar allergic reactions in humans.
Fleas can also transfer tapeworms and cause anemia in pets. Flea bites usually cause painful, itchy red bumps.
Prevention
- Clean and vacuum frequently to help remove flea populations and prevent the laying of eggs.
- Keep your lawn tidy and short to avoid rodent habitation.
- Protect pets by keeping them on a leash when outside, bathing and grooming pets regularly, visiting a veterinarian annually, and using flea treatments according to direction.
How do I know if I have Fleas?
Try to put a couple of white sheets (or pillow cases) in areas you think you are being bitten. Fleas will jump on them and after a while you should see what looks little black dots on the sheets.
You can collect a few of them in a sealed container and send them to us for identification.
You can also purchase a flea trap, or easily make your own one following these detailed instructions:
DIY Flea Treatments – Get Rid of Fleas
Important: After treating with insecticide, vacuum all floor surfaces daily for at least two weeks. This is not just for hygiene — vacuuming causes vibration that stimulates flea pupae (which are resistant to insecticides) to hatch. The newly hatched fleas then contact the residual insecticide and die. Without regular vacuuming after treatment, pupae will continue to hatch over several weeks and new flea activity will appear, making it seem as though the treatment has failed.
Dog & cat blankets should be washed in hot water or put in tumble dryer for 30 minutes in order to kill flea eggs/larvae. Using a residual insecticide concentrate controls the adult flea and the larvae, stopping the reproduction cycle (which takes up to six weeks to complete). You can also use Diatomaceous Earth, which is a natural product and can be applied directly to your pet.DIY Flea Treatments - Get Rid of Fleas
Click on the links below for more details or to buy DIY flea killing products online
I get bitten but no there are no fleas. What is it?
Fleas are not the only insect that can bite. There are a lot of other things that can affect our skin condition.
If you cannot find fleas in your home we advise you to read our page on Bites & Itchiness by clicking on the link below:
Contact Owl Pest Control
Do you have a flea problem and need to talk to an expert?
Contact Owl Pest Control today!
Unit 19, Tallaght Business Centre, Whitestown Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24. D24 TD42
