There are several variants of the flea, the main ones that we come across are the cat flea, bird fles and occasionally human flea.

Fleas are often around pets and their bedding, sometimes in disused premises which have been vacated by pets. Bird fleas will be from disused birds nests.

The flea jump huge distances in relation to its size (up to 18 inches per leap), the adult can move rapidly amongst pet hair and through carpet fibres. They have a very hard exoskeleton and this means that they don’t need to hide away and therefore lie in the bedding or open areas.

They generally do not live on the host and merely feed for 2 to 3 hours a day.

Fleas can survive without a feed for up to 3 months. They are brought into action by tiny vibrations and breath, which alerts them that a host is present.

A thorough treatment of all carpeted or floor areas throughout the premises, should be carried out with  residual insecticide. Due to the irritant nature of pyrethrin insecticides bedding and clothes should not be treated. Vacuuming of the carpets can be carried out prior to the treatment and preferably not for 3 to 4 days after.

Treatment of adult fleas on pets is the owner’s responsibility and they should contact their vet for treatment.