Facts About Fleas

Adult fleas can be around 2-7mm long and a red/brownish in colour. flea's have narrow bodies which allow them to move quickly through fur. The legs are large, relative to their body size, enabling them to jump a long way.

The most common fleas found are:

• The Cat Flea
• The Dog Flea
• The Human Flea

Were Fleas are found:

Fleas only exist as parasites on warm-blooded animals. They can exist and feed on other hosts, Although each species of flea has a preferred host, For example, dog and cat fleas can exist on humans.  Fleas can also be found in the hosts bedding.

Cat fleas are the most plentiful, accounting for around 75% of all flea infestations.  Flea populations are found to reach their maximum in September.

Flea Significance

Fleas can carry parasitic worms and also other diseases, such as the dog tapeworm.  But, in the UK , fleas are generally not responsible for the spread of dangerous infections.  They will bite there host living small red dot.

Flea Biology

Flea eggs are very small, white in colour and oval shaped . They can be laid anywhere, such as in a hosts fur, bedding or feathers . The eggs hatch in about 7 days into a white larvae. The larvae thrive in dark, dank conditions and grow for 14 days to 21 days. Next, they spin a cocoon and begin their transformation. After seven weeks, the adult flea usually emerges, though this can be delayed by the onset of winter. A fleas life-cycle takes around 4 weeks in total.

Flea Control

The most important first step is to thoroughly clean the affected areas and treat any infected hosts e.g take your cat to the vets for advice

• Vacuum carpeted areas and soft furnishngs. Careful disposal of the vacuum bag is important to avoid a repeat flea infestation.
• Wash infected bedding and clothing
• Treat any flea infested pets with flea powder or a collar

The next step is to call an expert to come out a use an professional insecticidal as DiY products have low levels of insecticidal levels and be an expensive waste of time and money. the professional pest control company will spray on flea infested areas. A single spray treatment of the soft furnishings and carpets will be made and all treated areas should be left undisturbed for 8 to 10 days.

Flea Control - Preparing your home for treatment

Dartmoor Pest Control Service uses one of the most advanced insecticides on the market today. We use a treatment called Ficam W which is not only effective but odourless too. In order for us to do an effective and complete job of eliminating your fleas, you must help us by doing the following before we arrive to treat your home:

• Remove all toys, decorative items, cushions and other items from the floors so that all areas of the floor can be treated
• Remove all articles from under the beds, on cupboard floors, and from under furniture as these are areas where fleas live and need to be treated thoroughly
• Vacuum all floors and upholstered furniture to remove animal hair, organic debris, fleas, flea eggs and pupae
• Remove bag after vacuuming and dispose of it in a waste bin or plastic refuse bag outside
• Take pets to a vet for treatment
• Do not allow pets back into the house until the treatment has completely dried
• Do not vacuum for at least 7 to 10 days after the treatment. This will give Ficam time to eliminate all stages of the flea infestation