Fleas
Fleas are parasites of
warm-blooded animals. There are many species and each prefers its'
own host but will feed on other animals including humans. The human
flea and dog flea are now rare in this country and we are usually
bitten by cat fleas.
Description and life
cycle
Adult fleas are about 3 mm long and brown in colour. They live on
the host or close by, frequently in pet bedding. Their bodies are
flattened so that they can move through hair quickly and large rear
legs allow them to jump to and from the host.
Flea eggs are very small and white in colour. They are laid on the
host or nearby in bedding, carpets or furniture.
Larvae hatch and preferably feed on flea droppings with blood in.
They then pupate after 2 to 3 weeks and can remain in this stage
for up to 9 months. Adults emerge and begin feeding on the host. If
no host has been available for a long period many adults may emerge
at the same time.
Problems they
cause
Fleas can carry diseases which affect humans. Bites are unpleasant
and will be seen as a tiny dark red spot surrounded by a reddened
lump.
Treatment
Our Pest Control Officers will provide the
professional help needed. They will inspect the property to
determine the extent of the problem and treatment will then be
carried out, normally by spraying the infested areas.
You may continue to see fleas for some weeks after the treatment
because insecticides do not affect the egg or pupal stages of the
flea life cycle. However, adults and larvae will die soon after
spraying and emerging adults and larvae will die off when they come
into contact with the insecticide applied.
The Pest Control team can be contacted by: -
Telephone:
020 8430 4133 (Mon - Fri 9am -
5pm)
Fax:
020 8430 1547
E-mail:
pestcontrol@newham.gov.uk
Before treatment
The treatment carried out will be more effective if you:
- Thoroughly vacuum all carpets, furniture and pet bedding before
the visit. Empty the cleaner into a bin liner outside the house or
replace disposable bags.
- Make sure floors are as clear as possible and move furniture
away from walls.
- Check your pets for fleas and treat them as directed by your
vet.
Control
You can help reduce continuing problems if you: -
- Wash or dry clean all clothing and bedding likely to have been
infested.
- Leave cleaning the treated carpets for 7 to 10 days.
- Check your pets regularly and if fleas are found treat them as
directed by your vet.
- Clean or change pet bedding regularly.
- The insecticides we use work for about six weeks. Fleas will
still be developing after the treatment so we cannot guarantee it
will completely get rid of the infestation. We know that the
insecticides work but further treatments may be required.