Fleas      

Fleas are external parasites are light or dark brown in colour, very mobile and easily visible to the naked eye when parting the fur.

As parasites they live off the blood of mammals and birds. They are insects and are related to the fly family but are modified to enhance their role as parasites. Their major 'asset' is their remarkable jumping ability - fleas can jump 150 times their body length and 80 times their own height with a remarkable 200 G acceleration ! Most are parasites on mammals; a few live on birds. Adult fleas feed on blood, whilst their larvae feed on organic debris. Fleas are very small, their sizes ranging between 0.2-1.2 mm long (the size of a pinhead). They are difficult to control - a female flea can produce between 500 and 1000 eggs in its lifetime!.

Adult Fleas live on the bodies of the host animal. The larvae live in nests or bedding - the larvae are called detritivores which feed on minute particles of discarded organic matter.

The Life Cycle of Fleas

All Fleas have four stages to their Life Cycle which can be completed within 15 days - but the pupa can lay dormant before emerging as an adult. Understanding the life-cycle is important so that strategies for treatment and prevention can be designed and implemented.

• Egg - Are white or cream and are laid on the host where they might stay, or they may fall to the ground until they hatch into larvae

• Larvae - feed on the faeces left by the mother. The larvae (detritivores) spins a cocoon - the pupa

• Pupae - can lie dormant for some considerable time

• Adult - has a maximum life span of about 18 months but generally only live for 2-3 months

Treatment of fleas

There are many types of insectacidal shampoos and treatments available but the best treatments are only available from the vets and should be used regularly.