Fleas

Fleas are back and are pests that seem to arrive with the spring yet they can be a year-round pest. There are about 2,000 species of fleas. They are generally described as1-8 mm long; brownish in color, body laterally compressed (streamlined) and covered with backward-directed bristles; piercing mouth parts; no wings, metamorphosis complete with egg, larval, pupal and adult stages. Adult fleas live exclusively as parasites feeding on the blood of their host animal and consequently they can be vectors of disease. Bubonic plague and murine typhus are examples of diseases spread by oriental rat fleas. Dog and cat fleas are intermediate hosts of tapeworms that can infect humans if ingested. Perhaps the most common complaint associated with flea infestations is the skin irritation caused by flea bites. The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, is the most common flea species encountered by PMP’s.

Life-Cycle

Flea eggs are about 0.5mm long, oval, pearly white in color and lay indiscriminately in the fur of the host. They do not adhere to the host but readily fall from the animal, are shaken or scratched off and will accumulate in areas that the animal spends its time. The same applies to the dark colored faeces of the adult fleas thus creating the black and white - salt and pepper – effect associated with flea infestations. The eggs hatch in about one week to give white, threadlike, legless larvae 1.5mm long. The larvae thrive in dark, humid places such as animal bedding and carpet fluff, and feed on organic debris and adult flea excrement. The latter forms a critical part of the diet as it is a required for their development. After 2-3 weeks, by which time they will have molted twice and be about 5mm long, the larvae spin silken cocoons, incorporating debris and attaching themselves to the substrate, in which to pupate. The adult flea will then be stimulated to emerge by the vibrations set up by a passing host. This explains the occasional mass attacks which take place in deserted premises.

Control

a) Hygiene/management
Fleas are always closely associated with the host animal. Regular cleaning of their bedding in hot, soapy water will help reduce the eggs, larvae and pupae. Regular vacuuming of carpeting (several times a week) will remove eggs and the fecal material the larvae need for development. Also use a vacuum with a crack and crevice device to clean the cracks between floorboards and baseboards. Don’t forget to have the customer vacuum under and around any piece of furniture that the animal may use. When done vacuuming place the contents of the vacuum in a bag and place in the trash outside.

b) Insecticidal control
Insecticides can be used to treat infested premises. Insecticides are used by the PMP to kill adult fleas found in and on carpeting and furniture. Also treat any crack or crevice that may be harboring larvae and adults. Insecticides should be combined with an insect growth regulator (IGR) to provide the best control. Pay particular attention to areas where the host animal spends their time either resting or traveling. These areas will harbor the majority of the larvae and pupae. Make sure to inform the customer that they need to remain away until the carpet has dried. That includes their pet(s).

c) Host treatments
Insecticidal products are available which have been specifically formulated and registered for use on the host animals. Only these products should be applied to animals and care should be taken to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Two excellent products for on animal control are Advantage and Frontline.