Pest Control
Fleas
Description
Adult Fleas are about 2-7mm long and brownish in colour. Their
bodies are compressed which allows them to move efficiently through
hairs, and their relatively large hind limbs allow them to have
excellent jumping qualities.
In the British Isles the following are most commonly found:
- The Cat Flea (Ctenocephalides felis)
- The Dog Flea (Ctenocephaides canis)
- And occasionally The Human Flea.
All fleas live as parasites on warm blooded animals, and
although the different species prefer their own host, the dog and
cat flea can be found on and feeds from humans and other animals.
If you suspect that you may have an infestation of fleas, either by
suffering skin irritations, or spots on the skin of unknown
origins, or indeed by seeing them, you should first check any
bedding used by your pets and the cat or dog itself for any signs.
Cat fleas account for the most common and largest infestations in
the British Isles.
Problems with fleas tend to be at their greatest during
September when the flea population tends to be at its peak, and can
cause the most problems in areas of population of high density. In
the British Isles fleas are not generally found to spread
infections but do however inflict an unpleasant and irritating bite
on their hosts.
Biology
The females lay their eggs in the nest or bedding of the
infested animals or in dust and crevices in buildings. The eggs
then develop into bristly, legless larvae which pupate and turn
into adults within approximately 7 weeks. Eggs are small oval
shaped and pearl white. Larvae thrive in dark humid places. The
pupa can remain through the winter, and emerge when triggered by
the movement of a suitable host. Their life cycle is generally 4
weeks but can be longer in cold weather.
Control of Fleas
Firstly clean all animal bedding or their sleeping places and
scrape out and vacuum clean dusty crevices. These should then be
sprayed with a suitable residual insecticide, ensure that only
approved insecticides are used to treat the bedding. Spray the
animal with an insecticide recommended by your Veterinary
Surgeon.
- Dover District Council can arrange for a contractor to
remove fleas for £61 inc VAT.
Make pest control arrangements by:
Contact Customer Services
Team Telephone: 01304 872428
E-mail: customerservices@dover.gov.uk
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