PestAware Advice Sheet Fretting about fleas?

British Pest Control Association ‘Fretting about fleas?’ pest awareness advice

BPCA is the trade association for prevention advice, and help you find and are packed with practical the professional pest management an appropriately trained and trusted advice and tips for getting to sector. It’s our role to help everyone pest management company. Our grips with British pest species. understand the importance of PestAware guides are designed proper pest control, provide pest for home and business owners Version 1, September 2019.

bpca.org.uk/pestaware 01332 294 288 Driving excellence in pest management @britpestcontrol Fretting about fleas? Pest advice for controlling Fleas

Is your pet fidgeting and scratching an unusual amount? Spotted “A flea bite on humans can get infected from something jumping around on the prolonged itching. Flea bites have been known carpet? If you find yourself fretting to cause skin complaints, and can also exacerbate about fleas, you’re in the right place. respiratory illnesses and cause complications” Discovering there are fleas in your home is distressing and, In this guide which can be caused by prolonged due to their lifecycle, can be ƒƒ The dangers: why itching when left untreated. an uphill battle to control. we control fleas ƒƒ Types of flea in the UK Flea bites have been known to Whether you’re thinking about ƒƒ Habitat: how fleas cause skin complaints, and can also doing some DIY flea pest control or choose a home exacerbate respiratory illnesses you’re looking to enlist the help of ƒƒ Where do fleas come from? and cause complications. a professional pest management ƒƒ The tell-tale signs company, this guide is for you. fleas are about Risk to pets ƒƒ Why are fleas more If your pet has fleas, it will suffer common in summer? from a great deal of discomfort ƒƒ Flea biology and behaviour and could also have an allergic ƒƒ Appearance reaction to the flea’s saliva. ƒƒ Mating and lifespan ƒƒ Other characteristics Lengthy periods of infestation can ƒƒ What do fleas eat? cause your pet to develop anemia ƒƒ The difference between from the loss of blood, although this fleas, ticks and mites is rare (see fleas on pets section). ƒƒ Fleas on pets ƒƒ Flea treatment for pets ƒƒ How to treat a flea bite ƒƒ Allergic reaction to flea bites ƒƒ How to prevent fleas ƒƒ Getting rid of fleas ƒƒ Before treatment ƒƒ DIY flea control Fleas are related to Diptera ƒƒ Professional pest control (true flies) and were once ƒƒ Finding a pest controller free-living, flying insects. Studies show Black Death, to get rid of fleas. responsible for wiping out 15% of London’s population in the 17th century, may not have been spread by rat-borne flea Fleas are ectoparasitic insects, The dangers: bites but rare human fleas. meaning they live on the outside why we control fleas of a host animal. They feed on the blood of mammals and birds. It’s Risk to people Types of flea in the UK estimated that there are around In the UK at least, fleas do not 2,500 species of flea in the world. commonly spread disease. The most common species of flea in the UK is the Cat flea We get three types of flea in the UK. Although fleas do not pose a Ctenocephalides felis. The most common is the cat flea direct health risk, flea bites can Ctenocephalides felis. Less often, we cause intense irritation and itching They are an extremely common get dog fleas Ctenocephalides canis. to pets and humans alike. pest whose primary host is domestic While rare, we do occasionally get cats, but are known for readily human flea Pulex irritans infestations. The most problematic aspect of a biting humans and dogs too. flea bite on humans is the infection

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That’s right - just because it’s called find out they have a flea infestation, a Cat flea, it doesn’t mean the pest When not feeding on a host, fleas as fleas are often associated won’t try and bite people too! are mainly active in communal with dirty environments. rooms, places where pets sleep and The Dog flea Ctenocephalides wherever there is most activity. But this is a common misconception canis can also use a variety of - fleas are not picky! mammals as a host, but primarily Fleas and their eggs can be targets dogs and cats. commonly found in soft furnishings Although a home or business Other types of flea to be which provide plenty of insulation, that isn’t vacuumed or cleaned aware of are; the Bird flea such as carpets, pet bedding, is more likely to provide a better Ceratophyllus gallinae and clothes and upholstered furniture. environment for fleas to thrive, they

Feral cats, foxes and other wild animals are the most common carriers of flea parasites.

Human flea Pulex irritans.

The Bird flea only lives for a short time but is an impressive breeder, will also infest clean places in their multiplying in great numbers in If you have an active infestation, search for a warm-blooded host. habitats such as hen houses. you may see fleas jumping in your carpet and furniture. Either way, it is crucial to solve a flea Finally there are Human fleas, infestation without hesitation as which are now rare in the UK. Around 95% of flea eggs, they can quickly get out of control. They are a known carrier of larvae and pupae live in the environment, not on pets. Six tell-tale signs that fleas are about DID YOU KNOW? As flea eggs can survive 1. Pets constantly REMEMBER! In World War Two, Japan dormant for long periods of time, scratching, licking FLEAS WILL tried to use fleas carrying Y. sometimes up to 18 months, or biting themselves INFEST CLEAN pestis as a biological weapon, it’s possible that the infestation may be the first sign HOMES TOO dropping them in China. was a problem before you even 2. Seeing fleas or flea moved into your current home! droppings in the coat of your pet (easily spotted in light- plague Yersinia pestis. If you have pets, they can pick up coloured animals by brushing Habitat: how fleas fleas from other animals or places back the hair, in dark coated choose a home and give them a ride home. breeds it may be better to comb the animal over a sheet of paper) Fleas can live on any warm- And although it’s less common, so 3. The identity of the black specks blooded animal but are often can humans: the fleas will hitch a ride may be confirmed by adding found to be living on humans, on your clothes, your skin or hair. a few drops of water: if they domestic animals and rodents. People usually feel ashamed to turn red, your pet has fleas!

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4. Bites on you or other members Most species have backwardly Critically, they can’t lay viable of the household, usually directed spines, which are designed eggs in the absence of the around ankles and legs to help them grip onto their host. host animal blood meal. 5. If you have been holding or stroking a pet, you may Adult Dog fleas are on average When fully grown the larvae spin find bites on your arms 2mm in size and brownish-black well camouflaged, silken cocoons. 6. And the most obvious sign in colour (appearing to be more of a flea infestation? Seeing reddish-black after a blood meal). Once fully developed the adult them! When they aren’t busy waits within the cocoon until it leeching our AB positive, fleas Adult Cat fleas are generally detects the vibrations caused can often be spotted jumping bigger, on average 3mm in size. by a person or animal. around on soft furnishings. It can also detect pressure, Mating and lifespan heat, noise, or carbon dioxide Why are fleas more from potential hosts. common in summer? The lifecycle of the flea takes place in four clear stages: egg, O E CYCLE F A FLE Ideal temperatures for fleas sit at larva, pupa and imago (adult). LIF A to 8 months dependi eeks ng on between 21-29°C which is why, in 2 w env kes iro ta nm the UK, we find these pests are more Depending on cle EGGS en Cy t common during summer time. environmental conditions, Viable eggs are laid after a blood meal, around 30-50 per day these stages can take Humidity is also important for between two weeks fleas: the moisture is needed for and eight months the eggs to hatch and for fleas to to complete. ADULTS progress through the life cycle. (IMAGINES) Female fleas can LARVAE live up to 2 years and lay around 1,500 Typically undergo 3 Although fleas thrive in warmer eggs in this time moults before pupation climates, extremes of heat will kill fleas, their larva, pupa and eggs.

Below freezing temperatures will PUPAE kill adult fleas, however those in Can stay in cocoon for a year, but usually emerges in week or so, depending on external different stages of the life cycle stimulae, eg presence of a host will simply become dormant. DID YOU KNOW? Female fleas are able to consume Broadly speaking, the warmer the up to 15 times their own body weather, the easier it is for fleas weight in blood each day? to complete their life cycle. Only then does it emerge. The complete life cycle Flea biology and behaviour takes about a month in the summer. Female fleas can live up to two Appearance years, during which time they are Appearance differs only very able to lay around 1500 eggs. slightly for different types of flea, and often only trained The females must first take a ‘blood professionals are able to spot the meal’ from an infested animal, difference under a microscope. after which they lay their eggs.

As a group, adult fleas are wingless, The eggs drop onto the floor and flattened laterally (enabling them to surrounding furnishings, and after move easily through fur) and vary in several days will develop into larvae. Adult Cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis). colour from grey to dark mahogany.

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for chewing. They feed on detritus, a home, unlike native tick species, If humans dust and animal protein, such and is spreading in the UK. could jump as as dead skin and feathers. well as fleas we’d be able They also (brace yourself) eat to leap over the the droppings of adult fleas, Shard in London which contain dried blood. Flea, tick or mite?

Although all belong to the phylum classification Arthropoda, fleas are insects, whereas ticks and Mite infestation (right) and a mite mites belong to another group under the microscope (left). of arthropods: Arachnida. How do fleas Mites have a few things in common jump so high? This puts them in the same class with fleas, but the key difference in as spiders and scorpions. appearance is the number of legs; Fleas can leap at least a mites have eight legs and more hundred times their own body length and have been known closely resemble a spider than a flea. to hit top distances of around 200 times their length. However ear mites can rarely be A marvellous feat which only seen by the naked eye and diagnosis appears to be rivalled in the will need to be confirmed by a vet. animal kingdom by froghopper insects (yeah, we’d never heard of them either). Infestations are usually characterised by dirty-looking Fleas do this by using their hind ears caused by black discharge, legs as multi-jointed levers, gripping the ground for traction Close up of a tick redness and inflammation. before crouching down and using infestation on a dog. their muscles to store energy. Although most mites feed off When this energy is released, it animals and humans, there are some acts almost like a bow and arrow, There are many differences species which feed on plants. propelling the flea rapidly. between ticks and fleas. A flea’s ability to jump great Fleas on pets distances is what enables it to switch Ticks are much larger and have hosts, since they are without wings. pear-shaped bodies, which We advise you to consult Additionally, their legs end are flat and become engorged your vet if your pet has any in strong claws which help as they feed on blood. of the following signs: them grip onto their host. ƒƒ Excessive scratching This, combined with their hardened They have eight legs, where ƒƒ Areas of hair loss, bald shells, are adaptations which enable fleas only have six. or sore patches them to withstand intense scratching ƒƒ Spots or scans and attempts to remove them. Crucially, ticks don’t generally ƒƒ Redness and irritation infest indoor environments. ƒƒ Thickened skin in areas What do fleas eat? (eg around ear edges) An exception is the invasive ƒƒ Tiny dark specks in its fur, Adult fleas feed on the blood of Brown Dog Tick or Rhipicephalus or small browny-black humans and animals; females need sanguineus, which has been brought insects scurrying about. this in order to produce viable eggs. into the UK from Europe on dogs. ƒƒ And there are other, more serious consequences of The larval stages have mouthparts It can survive and reproduce inside your pet having fleas.

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The animal could suffer from an allergic reaction to the flea’s saliva, which will manifest in symptoms such as face or body swelling, agitation and feeling hot to the touch.

Flea infestation on a dog.

Regardless, you should treat Lengthy periods of infestation can your pet for fleas regularly as No matter how much a flea cause your pet to develop anemia prevention is better than cure. bite itches, you must not from the loss of blood, which scratch it. This could cause an you can identify by checking the Remember: only give your infection, which can lead to paleness of your pet’s gums. pet treatments that have been fever, nausea and further pain. recommended for them by a vet. Young or frail animals hosting You should consult a pharmacist fleas can become weak and Products suitable for one species for advice and treatment if you even die of blood loss. may not be suitable for another. develop an itchy rash or eczema. Some dog flea treatments Flea larvae can become infected contain an insecticide called with tapeworm eggs, so if your pet permethrin, which is safe for eats an infected flea it can become dogs but highly toxic to cats. host to this intestinal parasite. If you spot fleas on your pet If your pet has fleas you treat as quickly as possible; should also make sure your fleas can give your cat or dog pet is treated for worms. tapeworms and other diseases.

Fleas can also pass diseases to your You should also treat your home The typical symptom of a pets. For example, myxomatosis (see How to get rid of fleas below). flea bite is a small red spot is a serious disease in rabbits about 5mm in diameter. which can be spread by fleas. Treating a flea bite

Flea treatments for pets Different people react differently to For itching your pharmacist may a bite, both regarding the degree recommend crotamiton cream or Regular grooming of your pet of reaction and time taken to react. lotion, hydrocortisone cream or will not only help you bond and ointment and antihistamine tablets. keep your pet looking healthy, Flea bites are small, red bumps but you will be able to check their (around 5mm in diameter) that For swelling you should apply fur for signs of flea infestation. can develop in lines or clusters. a cold compress or ice pack to They can also sometimes blister. the affected area, or ask your

4A Mallard Way, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8GX Page 6 +44 (0)1332 294 288 @britpestcontrol Fretting about fleas? ` Pest advice for controlling Fleas pharmacist about treatments 2. Walkies - when returning You will have collected eggs, larvae such as antihistamine tablets. home, brush out your pet’s and adult fleas while vacuuming, fur before going inside and want to reduce the chances of If these treatments don’t help, you 3. Vacuuming - frequently vacuum any of those re-infesting your home. should visit your GP. They may the areas your pet is around, prescribe stronger medicines especially carpeted areas Wash all pet bedding, sofa cushion such as steroid tablets. in and around any furniture covers and any other blankets, that is used by your pet bedding or clothing which might 4. Washing - regularly wash be affected, in very hot water. Allergic reaction your pet’s bedding, blankets to a flea bite and other washable items in Store away exposed food stuffs and the hottest water possible make sure you cover any fish tanks. If you’re allergic to fleas, your 5. Gardening - keep your garden immune system will release an tidy by mowing your lawn and Remove any pets from the increased amount of histamine. raking up any leaves, grass area, only allowing them back or bush clippings, giving when the treated areas have This may prompt a serious allergic fleas fewer places to hide been fully ventilated. reaction called anaphylaxis. How to get rid of fleas You will need to leave treated areas These are common symptoms of for a minimum of three hours, an allergic reaction to flea bites: Before treatment depending on the product used. Before an insecticide treatment, ƒƒ Intense itching clear as much floor space as you DIY flea control ƒƒ A rash or hives on various can to ensure that treatment parts of the body is as thorough as possible. For any flea infestation, REMEMBER! ƒƒ Shortness of breath we would always FAILED CONTROL or wheezing Vacuuming all areas helps recommend contacting CAN MAKE IT ƒƒ Swelling of the face, to remove any debris, eggs, a professional pest WORSE hands, mouth, or lips larvae, pupae and adult fleas. management company. ƒƒ Nausea ƒƒ Chest pain. The vibration of the vacuum cleaner They are trained in flea control ƒƒ Anaphylaxis is life threatening also stimulates adults to hatch from and will have access to a range if it isn’t treated immediately. their cocoon stage, making them of professional use insecticides easier to destroy with insecticides. and tools, which are not Call 999 or go to the hospital available to the public. right away if you believe And it will also improve the you’re having a severe allergic chance of success with insecticide Knowing how much, where, and reaction to a flea bite. treatment, enabling it to penetrate when to deploy products is where down to the base of the carpet professionals are able to take fibres where fleas live. control of situations efficiently.

How to prevent fleas DO NOT APPLY any flea products DID YOU KNOW? designed for use on your home It’s difficult to prevent your pets Fully formed fleas can to your pet’s fur or skin. from getting fleas. However, remain in their cocoon householders can put steps in place waiting for signs of a host. However, members of the public to try and avoid a flea infestation: can choose to carry out the work themselves, buying amateur-use 1. Pet maintenance - apply Remember to empty the vacuum insecticides from a hardware veterinary approved flea or remove the vacuum bag, store or garden centre. products to your pet disposing of it in an outside bin. on a regular basis BPCA has a strong warning to

4A Mallard Way, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8GX Page 7 +44 (0)1332 294 288 @britpestcontrol Fretting about fleas? ` Pest advice for controlling Fleas anyone using insecticides – always affected by insecticides - this fact lead to a failed treatment. follow the instructions on the label, is very important to understand and to take all necessary precautions after your home has been treated. What if my pest controller to ensure you do not cause collateral can’t find evidence of fleas? damage or suffer personal injury. This prevents proper completion of the flea life cycle, from larvae to Delusional Parasitosis (DP) How do professionals the adult stage. It won’t kill adult is a mental disorder in which get rid of fleas? fleas, so will be used alongside individuals incorrectly believe a conventional insecticide. they are infested with parasites, Pest technicians get plenty of insects or bugs when, in reality, call-outs to treat properties Once treatment is complete, it is no such infestation is present. for fleas - so if you’re having critical you do not wash or vacuum issues, you’re not alone! your carpets for a minimum of If a professional pest controller two weeks - longer if possible. carries out an inspection and cannot The standard treatment for Over the course of the treatment, find evidence of an infestation, then any infested premises is the eggs and pupae will continue to it’s possible that DP is the issue. application of a residual go through the life cycle stages, Individuals with DP usually report insecticide, either as a liquid eventually emerging as adult fleas. tactile hallucinations known as spray or powder. The insecticide formication, a sensation resembling is applied to all floor surfaces. As the insecticide has a insects crawling on or under the skin. residual effect, it will kill the Pest management professionals newly-formed fleas. Sufferers of this condition may also use something called an should see their GP. Insect Growth Regulator (IGR). If you clean your carpet, you’ll be in danger of eliminating the Flea eggs and pupae are not residual insecticide which will

BE PROTECTED. Find a pest controller A BPCA member company PROFESSIONALLY. will be able to treat infestations How do you know your quickly and safely. They can help minimise pest pest management contractor activity with a range of techniques and have the technical knowledge is fit for the fight? and experience to apply products in an efficient manner, while British Pest Control Association Our member companies meet or minimising risk to the environment is the trade association for exceed all legal and ‘due diligence’ and non target species. professional pest management requirements and comply with companies in the UK. the most current legislation. You can find a BPCA member, By choosing an audited BPCA local to you, using our Find No other trade body a pest controller tool. member you can be assured gives you this security. that the services you receive bpca.org.uk/find are from a trained and trusted Make sure you stay safe. 01332 294 288 company that meets our strict membership criteria. Select a BPCA member.

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