Fleas are parasites, feeding directly on humans or other warm-blooded animals. Usually, you or your pet, serve as these hosts. The average size ranges from 1/12 to 1/6 inch long. They are very small and have no wings, but can jump 7-8 inches vertically and 14-16 inches horizontally.

Fleas are attracted to body heat, movement, and exhaled carbon dioxide. Fleas can be a real nuisance, as they bite, which causes very itchy swellings. A skin reaction to a fleabite appears as a slightly raised and red itchy spot. Sometimes these sores bleed.

In Ireland, there are a number of diferent types of flea. The two most common types are the Cat flea and the Bird flea. They are, unfortunately more common than one might imagine. As the name suggests, cat fleas are normally associated with cats (and dogs). Bird fleas are normally associated with birds and are often a problem where birds are, or have nested in some part of a building.

Fleas go through a complete metamorphosis. There are four distinct stages: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult. Flea eggs are laid on the host, or are deposited on the floor or ground. They are also often found in upholstery or pet's bedding. A female flea will continue to lay a few eggs every day until she has yielded between 200 to 400 eggs. These eggs will then develop into flea larvae, usually within 1 week, depending on the temperature and humidity.

Flea larvae are active and look like maggots. The larvae will feed on organic debris, but particularly like to feed on faeces of the adult fleas. This "flea diet" contains undigested blood. The flea larvae are hard to spot and are found deep in the carpets or the cracks and crevices of floors and upholstery. They are very difficult to vacuum, because they get entwined in the carpet fibres. The next stage is called the pupae, and they look like a cocoon, also hard to spot. Under warm conditions many adult fleas will emerge from this protective cocoon within 7 to 14 days, longer under less favourable conditions.

Whenever you see adult fleas crawling on your pet, it is only a symptom of a much larger problem. Current studies indicate that adult fleas account for only 5% of the total flea population in any given situation. Eggs account for 50%, larvae account for about 35%, and the remaining 10% are the pupa cocoons. That means that for every single adult flea living on your dog or cat, there are 10 eggs, 7 larvae, and 2 cocoons.

These various life cycle stages will be found anywhere in the pet's environment, but will be most concentrated in the areas that the pet spends most of its time, like the pet's bed area. Remember, when the adult flea lays an egg on the pet, it will fall off the hairs in just a few minutes, similar to sowing seeds. If the pet usually walks through certain paths (either indoors or outdoors), there will also be a substantial amount of eggs scattered in those areas.

HOW TO TACKLE FLEAS

Fleas can be very difficult to get rid of because they multiply at a phenomenal rate. What this means is that flea control must be spread over the pet's entire environment, focusing on the areas the pet spends the majority of it's time: the sleeping areas and the walking paths. Effective elimination will usually require a combined approach of treating all animals and the infested premises for fleas.

To contain an infestation, fleas must be controlled in every way -
The use of insect growth inhibitors and residual insecticides.
Frequently dust, vacuum, and mop all surfaces where pets or you have been.
Pets should be treated and removed from the premises for 4 to 6 hours.
Remove birds from the home.
Cover or remove fish tanks, and turn off the pump.
Keep covered shoes on until all treated areas have dried (4-6 hours).

If possible, consult your vet about the health and skin condition of your pet prior to treatment. Begin flea control on the pet by using a mild shampoo and a sponge-type flea dip, flea spray, or flea shampoo. Burn all infested pet bedding, and spray, or dust a flea insecticide into all cracks and crevices in walls and floors. Remove any old birds' nests you find lurking in the loft or eaves of your house.

A flea infestation can tend to linger on and is usually quite difficult to eliminate. For professional assistance or adive, contact X-Pest.

SOME USEFUL TIPS

Cats and dogs should be treated before they ever show any signs of itching and scratching. You can use a traditional flea collar or ask your vet what he or she recommends for your pet.

If you have a flea infestation, don't forget to also treat your car. Fleas will most probably be in the upholstery too.

Frequently dust, sweep, vacuum, and mop all surfaces where pets or you have been.