Fleas

Fleas

Fleas are small (1/16 inch), dark, reddish-brown, wingless, blood-sucking insects. Their bodies are laterally compressed (flattened side to side), permitting easy movement through the hairs on the host’s body. Their legs are long and well adapted for jumping. The flea body is hard, polished, and covered with many hairs and short spines directed backward. The mouthparts of an adult flea are adapted for sucking blood from a host. Flea control is difficult for pet owners to implement because two things may have to be done: (1) treat the pet and (2) treat the premises. Pet treatment alone is often sufficient because the animal removes and treats fleas from infested premises. Humans are often bitten by fleas when they enter infested areas. Repellents can be applied in order to keep fleas from biting.

Pets become reinfested with fleas from premises. For the most effective control, sleeping areas, bedding, kennels, and other areas frequented by the animal should be treated at the time the pet treatment is made. Treatments may or may not include the use of pesticides.

Nonpesticidal premise control includes thorough and frequent cleaning of the house. All rugs should be thoroughly cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or a steam cleaner. Infested furniture, pet baskets, and cracks should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent the larvae from finding food. Dirt that is collected should be disposed of immediately to destroy fleas and flea larvae.

Many people remove pets from the home to attempt flea control. Flea infestations usually become more evident when pets are removed. Although the hungry adult fleas prefer to feed on cats and dogs, when the pet is removed the fleas overrun the home, frequently attacking humans. Dogs and cats can be used to attract fleas from the premises. Recommended pet treatments at frequent intervals can be used to kill the fleas.