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Fleas. Fleas are wingless jumping insects about 1.5 to 3.3 mm in length which feed off the blood of humans and other mammals. Usually dark brown in colour, their hard shelled bodies make them difficult to kill even by squeezing between the fingers. Fleas cause itchy bites on their hosts and can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Lifecycle: Fleas lay approximately 20 white tiny oval-shaped eggs which hatch between 2-14 days after laying. They develop into small pale bristled larvae which feed on the faeces of mature fleas. Within 2-3 weeks flea larvae enter a pupae state and emerge from their cocoon as fully fledged adult fleas. A female flea can lay up to 5,000 eggs in a lifespan. The adult flea's diet consists solely of fresh blood. Control: As fleas can be found on humans, pets, carpets and beds several areas of the home may need to be treated. The lifecycle of the flea means that they need to be destroyed at all stages of development or they may continue to multiply. An experienced pest controller can eradicate fleas and offer advice on preventing re-occurrence. |
