As far as unwanted guests go, fleas are among the least desirable. Not only do they make you feel grubby and have an annoying bite, but they multiply rapidly, which means that if you don’t sort the problem out quickly, you could end up with an infestation on your hands.
Signs of fleas
The first sign of fleas in your home will most probably be noticeable on your pets. You may notice your pets itching and scratching more than normal or that they have red bumps on their skin or balding patches; if this is the case, it is worth taking a closer look. Fleas are up to 4mm long – that is nearly half a centimetre – so they can be seen with the naked eye. Watch out for pale, black and brown dusty debris in your pet’s coat or even on your sofas and carpets – this is flea poo and eggs. If you notice bites or a strange rash on your skin, especially your ankles, it could well be down to fleas. While fleas are extremely annoying, they can actually be dangerous to pets as they suck blood; a serious infection can lead to excess blood loss (watch out for pale gums).
How long do fleas live for?
The average lifespan of a flea can be surprisingly long; anything from two weeks to a year, and in that time they can lay around 1,500 eggs (or 50 a day). A flea will lay eggs in any sheltered area: your pet’s fur, carpet and furnishings, or even long grass. Most flea eggs are laid in the environment, not on your pet. It takes up to three weeks for eggs to hatch, but if the conditions are not ideal, they will lay dormant until it gets warmer. This makes it even harder to spot flea infestations.
Is it easy to get rid of fleas?
Eliminating fleas from your home can be a challenge, particularly if you have a large, carpet-filled house, or the infestation has been allowed to get out of control. Imagine one flea that lays 2,000 eggs in 100 days. Over the next 100 days, those 2,000 “children” will lay another 40,000 eggs between them.
An organised and persistent approach is the best way to get results. Fleas on your pet can be treated immediately, but the wider problem of killing fleas as they hatch and getting rid of any existing and dormant eggs can be more of a challenge. If you are struggling to control the infestation, it may be worth calling a pest control specialist to help you.
Treating your pet for fleas
There are different types of flea treatment, but ideally you want one that doesn’t repel fleas from your pet’s fur, but kills fleas once they are on the pet. This will stop them in their tracks rather than displacing them. Speak to your vet about the best treatment for your needs.
In next week’s instalment, we will talk about how to get rid of fleas in your home and garden. Follow us on Facebook or X to avoid missing it.