Fleas

The cat flea is found throughout the United Kingdom, and is by far the most common of the flea species that comes into contact with man. Despite the name cat flea it is also found on dogs.

The adult flea spends a good proportion of its time off the host, resting in the sleeping and bedding areas of the pets.

In common with most other types of fleas they feed on dust, debris, flakes of skin, fur and dead insects found around the pets bedding area.

Biology

The flea goes through four stages of development called a Complete metamorphosis which consists of Egg, Larva, Pupa and Adult.

Stage 1

The eggs of a female cat flea are approximately 1mm long, oval, white and translucent. Although they are sticky the eggs will normally fall off the host and into the bedding, and hatch two to three days later.

Stage 2

This part of the development is called the larval stage. The larva is a white grub that feeds on different materials, such as animal protein debris, especially the blood-rich excreta of the adult flea. The flea larvae shed their skins two or three times over a three to four week period, eventually spinning a flimsy silk cocoon near their feeding area. This may be in cracks in floorboards or the bedding of the host.

Stages 3 and 4

Stage three is known as the pupal stage and varies depending on the temperature, but the adult flea (stage four) usually emerges within a month. However, it may remain in the pupal stage until stimulated by the presence of a host.

Both male and female adult fleas feed frequently from the host, which can be cats, dogs, small rodents and possibly other small animals. The cat flea requires blood from its true host to lay eggs, but is not averse to feeding from humans. Cat fleas will usually bite people around the ankles.

Significance

There is very little evidence that cat fleas transmit any serious illness to humans. Far more important is the highly irritating nature of flea bites on some humans, especially children, and the ability of fleas to remain dormant in buildings for long periods. There may be a delay of several hours between a bite and the reaction.

Unless pet bedding is destroyed and an extremely through cleaning of the area takes place it is likely that a flea reinfestation will reoccur.

There is very little difference in appearance or habits between the dog flea and the cat flea. Both types of flea will live on dogs or cats and both species will bite humans.

Description

Adult: 2mm long and flattened from side to side. Brown wingless and have large back legs for jumping.
Habit: Adapted to living among the fur of the host and feeding on its blood. Larvae live on the floor or in bedding of the host feeding mainly on faeces of adult fleas.

How to treat and prevent fleas

A few simple measures and precautions can help break the flea’s life cycle and keep them at bay. Pets such as cats and dogs should be regularly groomed. Pets bedding should be changes and washed frequently. Products to treat pet infestations are available over the counter or you can seek advice from your vet. Always follow the manufacturers instructions.

Or - Call in the professionals.

Aberdeenshire Council does not directly provide a Pest Control Service. Aberdeenshire Council's preferred contractor is Pro-Check Environmental Services Northern Ltd and they can be contacted on 08448 006484