Site Content
Fleas
In the UK at least, fleas do not commonly spread disease.
Although fleas do not pose a direct health risk, flea bites can cause intense irritation and itching to pets and humans alike.
You may see fleas on dogs, cat fleas or on a person.
We cover West and South Yorkshire, Leeds, Wakefield, South Kirkby, South Elmsall, Upton, Pontefract, Hemsworth and other areas.
How did i end up with a flea infestation in my home?
It’s not always obvious where they’ve come from, as even homes without pets can get flea infestations.
Around 95% of flea eggs, larvae and pupae live in the environment, not on pets.
As flea eggs can survive dormant for long periods of time, sometimes up to 18 months, it’s possible that the infestation was a problem before you even moved into your current home!
If you have pets, they can pick up fleas from other animals or places and give them a ride home.
And although it’s less common, so can humans: the fleas will hitch a ride on your clothes, your skin or hair.
It is crucial to solve a flea infestation without hesitation as they can quickly get out of control.
Six tell tale signs that fleas are about..
- Pets constantly scratching, licking or biting themselves may be the first sign
- Seeing fleas or flea droppings in the coat of your pet (easily spotted in light-coloured animals by brushing back the hair, in dark coated breeds it may be better to comb the animal over a sheet of paper)
- The identity of the black specks may be confirmed by adding a few drops of water: if they turn red, your pet has fleas!
- Bites on you or other members of the household, usually around ankles and legs
- If you have been holding or stroking a pet, you may find bites on your arms
- And the most obvious sign of a flea infestation? Seeing them! When they aren’t busy leeching our AB positive, fleas can often be spotted jumping around on soft furnishings.
How fleas choose a home:
Fleas can live on any warm-blooded animal but are often found to be living on humans, domestic animals and rodents.
When not feeding on a host, fleas are mainly active in communal rooms, places where pets sleep and wherever there is most activity.
Fleas and their eggs can be commonly found in soft furnishings which provide plenty of insulation, such as carpets, pet bedding, clothes and upholstered furniture.
If you have an active infestation, you may see fleas jumping in your carpet and furniture.
Why are fleas common in summer?
Ideal temperatures for fleas sit at between 21-29⁰C which is why, in the UK, we find these pests are more common during summer time.
Humidity is also important for fleas: the moisture is needed for the eggs to hatch and for fleas to progress through the life cycle.
Below freezing temperatures will kill adult fleas, however those in different stages of the life cycle will simply become dormant.
Broadly speaking, the warmer the weather, the easier it is for fleas to complete their life cycle.
Flea biology and behaviour
Appearance differs only very slightly for different types of flea, and often only trained professionals are able to spot the difference under a microscope.
As a group, adult fleas are wingless, flattened laterally (enabling them to move easily through fur) and vary in colour from grey to dark mahogany.
Most species have backwardly directed spines, which are designed to help them grip onto their host.