Fleas

Photo of a Flea

The most common types of flea (known as 'siphonaptera') are cat fleas and dog fleas. Human fleas are becoming increasingly rare.

Where do fleas come from?
Adult fleas survive as parasites on warm-blooded mammals. Although fleas may be called cat, dog or human, they can feed on any warm blooded animal. They generally live in the environment then attach to an animal when they want to feed.

Cat fleas cause most infestations, probably because of the large number of cats now kept. You should pay particular attention to cleaning their bedding. Remember, if your cat has fleas, there could be as many as ten times that number in other parts of the house.

Wall to wall carpeting, bedding and central heating in a home create ideal condition in which flea larvae can develop.

Do fleas do any harm?
In the UK fleas are not often responsible for transmitting disease, however, dog fleas in particular, can transmit the dog tapeworm to humans.

How do I know if I have fleas in my home?
If you keep pets, no matter how careful you are, there is always the possibility that your animal will get fleas. If your pet starts scratching more than usual, or you find bites on your body - a tiny dark red spot, surrounded by a reddened area, which may be extremely itchy, - you probably have a minor infestation.

How do I get rid of them?
You can treat minor infestations yourself, - suitable insecticides can be obtained from chemists, veterinary surgeries or pet shops. You need to treat all bedding, carpets, curtains, sofas and chairs. It is not simply a matter of cleaning your pet's bedding thoroughly, although this is an important stage of the process. Please follow the instructions given with the product.

You can also buy a flea collar for your pet for use following treatment. A flea collar releases small amounts of insecticide onto the coat of your pet, and, although this will not kill all fleas immediately, it will certainly act as a repellent. There are also systemic insecticides you can administer to your pet, which are absorbed through the skin and circulate in the animals blood. Available from pet shops and veterinary surgery, it is important that you follow the instructions with these products closely.

A good vacuuming a week or so after treating soft furnishings will help to remove any remains of the fleas. You should wash and if possible tumble dry pet bedding.

Prevention rather than cure
Flea collars (and flea powders) and other very effective treatments are available from your vet. Regular washing and cleaning of pet's bedding will help to prevent infestation. Regular vacuuming is also a good preventative measure.

Page last updated on 25 November 2011