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Both the cat and dog fleas are approximately 2.5mm long and brownish
in colour. The cat flea is the most common species of flea found in
and around homes, abundant in summer the flea seems to be especially
numerous when homes are re-occupied after the residents have been away
for a few weeks
The larvae of both the cat and dog
flea species are nearly twice as long as the adults. Feeding on
particles of dry blood, excrement and other various substances
collecting in corners and crevices. During heavy infestations the
accumulations of greyish larvae and white eggs give the sleeping
quarters of cats and dogs a "salt-and-pepper" appearance making
infestation easy to identify.
Advice for Cat Flea:
Their flat shape allows cat fleas
to easily pass between the hairs of animals. The cat flea is the
species involved in most home infestations and will attack both cats
and dogs. It is usually carried into the home by a pet. Once inside,
large populations can build up quickly.
One female flea can lay about 18
eggs a day and just 20 fleas on a dog can produce 360 eggs per day and
over 2000 eggs in a week. After the home is treated, it may take up to
two weeks or more before fleas are no longer seen. The reason for this
is that flea pupae are unaffected by the treatment until the adult
fleas emerge from their pupal cocoon. In any flea population, all
stages of the flea will be present including numerous pupae. It will
take several weeks for all adult fleas to emerge from these pupae and
contact the treatment. Vacuuming as often as possible after the
treatment can speed up this process because it stimulates adult fleas
to emerge from their cocoons.
Fleas are ectoparasites of animals,
meaning they live on the outside of the body and need to feed on the
blood of these animals in order to produce eggs. Because fleas usually
feed and lay their eggs while the pet is sleeping, the pet's resting
areas are where the most fleas will be found. Many pets acquire fleas
outside in the yard. Research has demonstrated that urban wildlife,
such as feral cats, foxes, hedgehogs and other wild animals, are
commonly responsible for introducing these insect pests onto
residential properties where the pets can encounter them. |