FLEAS
The flea, just like the bedbug, is a blood-sucking type of vermin
Fleas are small, dark-coloured, wingless parasites which reach up to 4 mm in length. They have flat, oval-shaped bodies which allow them to jump over distances over 33 cm long. They have tube-like mouth-parts, suited for feeding on the blood of their hosts.
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Fleas feed only on bird and mammal blood. Although different types of fleas prefer different hosts, they all bite humans. The main host of choice for the most common species are dogs and cats. Their saliva prevents the immediate detection of the bite. Later it causes severe irritation and itching. Adult fleas locate their hosts by movement, vibrations and animal breath.
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Although fleas rarely feed exclusively on humans, flea bites can still pose a serious health hazard.
INFESTATION IDENTIFICATION
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EXCESSIVE SCRATCHING
If you’ve noticed your dog or cat scratching more than usual, it is usually the main sign that your pet is already a host to these pests. As fleas are crawling and sucking blood, your pets will also lick or bite themselves constantly.
BLACK OR WHITE FLECKS
If you’ve found strange white, brown or black flecks on your pet’s body or on their bedding, this might be another clear sign of a flea infestation. The white ones are flea eggs and the darker are known as flea dirt.
LOSS OF FUR
This can be a concerning indicator of a flea presence. Usually, flea bites cause a reaction to the pet’s skin. The allergic reaction is also known as alopecia, or hair loss. In such cases, you should take immediate action and consult with a vet for treatment.
PALE GUMS
Another way to know if fleas have infested your pets is by checking if they have pale gums. They are a symptom of anaemia, due to the fact that fleas extract so much blood that the amount of new red blood cells produced is not sufficient. We strongly recommend to visit a vet ASAP.
FLEA BITES
Another signal for a flea infestation is when not only your pets but also you become a victim of the flea bites. They can be felt as a small sting and then, the bitten spot turns into a red bruise on your skin. The bitten area will be really itchy and irritating and often can be confused with a mosquito bite.
YOU SEE THEM
Well, if you’ve spotted the jumpers every now and then, this should ring a bell that you have a flea problem. Remember that you don’t need to be a pet owner to have a flea infestation in your house, as the parasites may jump on you while you’re strolling in the park.
COMMERCIAL SERVICES
Protecting Your Business
When not dealt with promptly, flea problems can quickly impact your business reputation and revenue. Staff will find working in your premises intolerable, but customers are also likely to avoid dealing with you
Different Species of flea commonly found in the UK
DOG flea
CAT
flea
human
flea
Treatments EMPLOYED
HEAT TREATMENT
Heat treatment carefully raises the temperature in the affected areas of your property using large, purpose-built heaters. These are carefully monitored whilst the heat permeates all nooks and crannies, leaving fleas nowhere to hide.
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Heat treatment is effective at all stages of flea development, ensuring eggs and larvae are also destroyed.
