Fleas
Fleas are blood-feeding parasites more often associated with the household pets such as cats and dogs; however, when a bad infestation occurs humans can also be bitten.
Adult fleas are only 1.5 mm to 3.3 mm in length and are black to brownish-black in colour. They don’t have wings; however, they have thin long legs and can jump up to 18 cm in length. The larva is legless and maggot-like in appearance and tends to hide in dark places such as bedding and cracks.
Once on the host the female flea takes two or three blood meals a day and soon begins to lay twenty or thirty eggs each day. Depending on environmental conditions, it can take between two weeks and six months for flea eggs to reach adulthood, although the average is three to four weeks in most homes. Larvae form cocoons by secreting a sticky substance and incorporating debris from surrounding areas for camouflage. Pupa progresses from larval form to a recognizable flea inside the cocoon. Without external intervention, a flea has an average life span of a year.
Fleas are more likely to be found near a pet’s bed; however, as fleas have the ability to jump large distances in search of a host, they can often be found throughout the house.
As with other insect species that can be considered pests, most people only have a mild reaction to being bitten; however, some people can suffer allergic reactions to the fleas saliva. Flea bites can also remain itchy for several weeks. Fleas can also carry diseases which are transferred when the host is bitten, the most well known being the bubonic plague. Due to better living conditions, outbreaks of bubonic plague are much rarer although they still occur.
Flea pest control includes direct treatment of the infected pet along with use of specialized insecticides to ensure complete elimination of the flea infestation in the house.
Please ask us about our Perth Total Extermination Plan which offers ‘on-demand’ protective services for specified pests in all areas inside and outside of your home. For termite inspections in Perth telephone: (08) 9313 2871 or email: info@pestcontrolperth.info for more information about flea control.
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