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Fleas usually appear in the late spring when the Canberra weather starts to warm up. Australia has close to 90 flea species, but only two are problematic in Canberra: the cat flea and dog flea. Many domestic cats and dogs that come into contact with fleas (and their eggs) transfer them to the family home. As a renowned provider of pest control services in Canberra, ACT Pest Control can help you eliminate fleas fast.
Which flea species are found in Canberra?
The two most common fleas found in Canberra are the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) and the dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis). Both flea species are attracted to the blood of pet mammals, such as cats, dogs, guinea pigs, mice and rabbits. From time to time, pest controllers in Canberra also come across human fleas (Pulex irritans) and bird fleas (Ceratophyllus gallinae).
Get to know more about Fleas
Are fleas harmful to humans?
Not really. A flea bite is more of an irritant than a major health threat to humans. However, the human flea is capable of transmitting flea tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum) to humans.
When do fleas breed?
In Canberra, fleas usually breed in the warmer months (incubation can take as little as 2 weeks). A mature female flea can lay as many as 50 eggs a day. Given that flea eggs can survive for up to a year, the challenge for householders and pest controllers in Canberra is to find/destroy the eggs quickly.
How do fleas enter your home?
Fleas are usually brought into a home by a pet cat or dog. After feeding on your pet’s blood, fleas can jump off on to carpets, rugs, furniture and bedding. Your pet may also shake or rub off the flea eggs laid on it. For non-pet owning householders, fleas may indicate a rodent infestation.
How do fleas incubate in your home?
Fleas incubate in four distinct stages:-
- Adult females lay eggs.
- Larvae (tiny worm-like creatures) hatch from the eggs.
- Larvae become pupae (every single larva spins a silk-like cocoon around itself).
- Adult fleas emerge from the cocoons.
In Canberra, incubation timeframes can range from 2 weeks to 8 months – depending on the time of year (temperature-related) and species involved. As a general rule, fleas incubate faster in warm weather.
What are the signs of a flea infestation?
Fleas announce their presence in a number of ways:-
- You’ve seen fleas in your home.
- Your pets scratch, bite or groom themselves excessively.
- You’ve noticed “flea dirt” (adult flea faeces) on your pet, furniture, carpet, rugs and/or bedding.
- There are small itchy bites on your own body, particularly on the lower legs and feet.
What can I do to minimise fleas in my home?
If you’ve got pets, fleas are inevitable from time to time. However, some simple housekeeping can reduce your chances of an infestation.
- Examine the fur / hair on your cats and dogs regularly. If you see or suspect fleas, use a suitable cat or dog flea treatment.
- Vacuum your carpet, rugs, lounges and floorboards regularly.
- Wash your pet’s bedding in hot water regularly (allow to dry naturally in the sun).
- If your dog travels with you, vacuum your vehicle’s carpet and seats regularly.
- Keep your garage, garden and yard tidy.
- Don’t let animals roam under the house.
How are fleas eradicated?
Insecticides (in spray and dust form) are generally used to eliminate fleas. Depending on the flea species involved and the seriousness of the infestation, the treatment approach may vary (surface spraying, dusting and space spraying are all commonly-used techniques).
If you suspect a flea infestation, please call the professional team at ACT Pest Control on 1300 022 122. Our pest control services in Canberra are second to none.
FLEAS
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