The Dangers of Fleas

Fleas not only cause discomfort for your pets but can also bring potential health risks to your household. Their bites can lead to secondary infections, making it crucial to address a flea infestation promptly and effectively.

human flea

Habitat - found worldwide and throughout the UK. It's rather rare and infestations can be sporadic throughout Britain. Can be found feeding on pigs, badgers, foxes and hedgehogs, more rarely in humans and possibly domestic animals.

Biology - human fleas lay eggs on clothing or bedding of the host, on a wild animal on the fur or nesting materials. Eggs may be seen by the naked eye in cracks in floor boards and in the seams of the mattresses. Three days after the eggs hatch in to larvae, they feed on dead insects, Shedded skin scales and dust and fluff and blood excreta from the adult fleas. The larvae will shed skin three times and when fully grown will pupate in a cocoon after three weeks. The last stage of the life cycle will depend on temperature and stimulation such as vibration. 

Importance - irritation caused by bites and secondary infection by scratching. Many Flea species can carry diseases such as typhus or the plague but it's very rare in Britain. Human flea bites mainly bite around the abdomen or waist.

Cat flea

Habitat - The cat flea is the most common flea species that will come in to contact with humans, despite the name it's actually found on dogs. The cat flea is found worldwide and found commonly in Britain.

Biology - eggs up to a 1000 per female, 1mm and white in colour, eggs are laid in batches on the fur of the host and will usually drop on the floor or bedding of the host. Eggs will hatch in a few days. Larvae are white and 5mm long will be found in the bedding or floor near to the host. 3 moults and fully grown in three weeks. Pupae cocoon is spun by the larval stage and will emerge in about four weeks. This may be delayed for several months if not stimulated by vibration. Adults - 2mm long, brown, wingless, hind legs for jumping.

Importance - irritation caused by bites and secondary infection by scratching. Many Flea species can carry diseases such as typhus or the plague but it's very rare in Britain. Cat flea bites attack the lower portions of your legs such as around the ankles.

Other flea species 

Dog flea - Very little in appearance or in habits between the dog and the cat flea. Both species will bite humans and can change host frequently. The dog flea is less common in Britain. 

Oriental rat flea - This species of flea was responsible for spreading the plague. This flea infests several species of rodents but in particular the ship rat which is found mainly in port areas. Has a similar life cycle to the cat flea. 

Rabbit flea - This species of flea can be found on domestic and wild rabbits and attached to the ears. This flea can spread myxomatosis in Britain. This is a viral disease that only affects rabbits.

Professional Flea Eradication

Our flea control services include targeted chemical sprays, mainly for carpets, and thorough de-fleaing of pets to ensure a comprehensive approach to flea eradication.

Trust Absolute Vermination for Effective Flea Control

Don't let fleas take over your home. Take action now and contact us for professional flea control services.