If you’re having a problem with fleas then Call us today for advice and solutions.
What do fleas like?
They love humid conditions, which makes for an ideal environment for the flea to thrive.
With the scorching weather we’ve experienced across Herefordshire this month, the record heat temperatures followed by the torrential rain and continued high humidity means we’re expecting the number of flea callouts to increase.
In conditions like
Fleas thrive in these conditions we’ve been experiencing across Herefordshire, this accelerates the flea’s life cycle.
A flea can grow from an egg to a fully-grown adult flea in just two weeks.
Estimates put the number of flea species across the world at around 2,500!
We only really see three of those commonly in the UK and across Herefordshire.
The cat flea, the dog flea and the human flea. Human fleas are rare but we do occasionally see them.
In the UK and across Herefordshire we love our cats and dogs.
Did you know that around a quarter of all UK households have at least one dog and almost 20% have a cat so the flea has plenty of choice for a host mammal in Herefordshire.
Are fleas dangerous?
Flea bites can cause irritation and itching to humans and pets. If left untreated they can become infected which is the main health risk.
Flea bites can cause skin complaints and even aggravate respiratory problems. Recent studies show that the Black Death may not have been caused by rat-borne flea bites but instead rare human flea bites.
The Black Death wiped out 15% of London’s population in the 17th century so if this is true the tiny flea has a lot to answer for.
Incredible flea fact number 1
In the second world war Japan tried to use fleas carrying Y.pestis as a biological weapon, dropping them into China!
Bird fleas
You might be more familiar with the dog flea and cat flea but the bird flea is another type to look out for.
Whilst the bird flea only lives for a short time it has the capacity to breed quickly, multiplying in great numbers. So, this is something to watch out for in habitats like hen houses.
Although fleas love the human, rodent, cat and dog host, they are more likely to be found in bedding, furniture, carpets and rugs.
It’s not always clear to see where a flea has come from as even homes without pets can suffer from fleas.
Fleas can be picked up by animals and pets whilst out and about so it’s easy to transport a flea into your home.
Some flea species can lay up to 40 eggs per day meaning they can become a bigger problem very quickly.
Be vigilant; checks your pets regularly including their bedding.
Incredible flea fact number 2
Fleas can jump at least a hundred times their own body length and some up to 200 times! To put this into context, the current world record is held by Javier Sotomayor from Cuba in 1993 who jumped 8 foot and a quarter inch!!
If you spot any signs of fleas, which include:
Your pets are scratching
You can see fleas or flea droppings in the coat of your cat or dog
You or your family experience bites – usually around the ankles or legs. Typically, flea bites are a small red spot about 5mm in diameter
You can see fleas jumping in your carpets or on your furniture if you have an active infestation.
Top tips to spot if your dog or cat has fleas
Try back brushing your pets or brush them over a piece of paper to more easily spot the signs of fleas
Try adding a few drops of water to black specks on your pet – if they turn red your pet has fleas
Having a flea problem is nothing to be ashamed of. Some people think fleas only live in dirty properties but this is not true at all!
Fleas don’t discriminate, they’re happy to set up home anywhere they can find a warm blooded host.
If you’re having a problem with fleas then Call us today for advice and solutions.
If you’re experiencing a problem with fleas for any other pest control problems call PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford on 01981 241334 / 07964 370480 or email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or use the live chat facility on our website.
