Pest Control - Fleas (Order Siphonaptera)

I think I have fleas in my property, what should I do?

How can I tell they are fleas?

Adult fleas are around 2-3mm long, and are dark brown in colour. Their bodies are compressed from side to side, which enables them to move quickly through hairs. They have large hind limbs which are used for jumping.

What signs should I look for?

The most obvious signs of a flea infestation is being bitten, although you may see adult fleas. If your pet is scratching, look for the insects amongst the fur. Bits of ‘grit’ in the fur could be flea droppings, and you can check this by placing them onto a damp tissue to see if they dissolve into an orange/red colour.

You can have a flea problem, even if you don’t have pets. They can be brought into the property from places such as other people’s homes, public buildings, parks, shops and public transport. They may enter the property on second hand furniture or clothing. You could also inherit a flea problem if you have recently moved into the property, as infestations can lay dormant for up to a year, waiting to spring to life when they interpret the vibrations of your footsteps as an arriving food source.

Are they a risk to my health?

Continual flea bites can cause irritation. Some people react to the saliva that fleas produce, which is called Allergic Dermatitis. On animals, fleas act as a host for tapeworms, which can infest the animal’s intestines. In heavy infestations, repeated bites could lead to anaemia.

I think I have fleas in my property, what should I do?

If you have pets, you first need to get them treated by a vet. You then need to have the entire property treated. Arun District Council is able to help. We offer a prompt and professional treatment, and may be able to offer advice on future prevention. All services are chargeable, and the charge will cover you until the treatment is complete, with no hidden extras. Please call Arun Direct on 01903 737755 to arrange an appointment. Please note, the fee will be payable at the time of booking, so please have your card details ready. All payments are non-refundable.

What will we do when we visit?

Prior to our visit, as well as having all pets treated for fleas, we ask that you do a few things to ensure that the treatment is effective as possible. We recommend that you vacuum the property thoroughly, including around the edges and underneath furniture, and dispose of the contents of the vacuum. All surfaces and floors (including under beds), should be cleared of paperwork, toys, clothing etc. All animal bedding should be washed, and any fish tanks, hamster cages etc, should be covered over.

We will attend your premises on the agreed date. Our Pest Control Officer will survey and spray water based residual insecticide throughout the property. After the treatment has been undertaken, you can help us further by leaving the premises for three hours to allow the spray to dry, and not vacuuming the property for 21 days after the treatment.

Should flea activity remain after 21 days, please contact us for advice before vacuum cleaning. If, however, flea activity reoccurs after one calendar month of your treatment, then new charges will apply as it is likely to be the result of a new infestation.

A bit more about fleas

Fleas are a very advanced species of external parasite. There are approximately 2000 species of flea worldwide. Fleas exhibit complete metamorphosis, meaning that they lay eggs, which hatch into maggots. These maggots feed on organic debris, including the droppings of adult fleas. They grow in size and moult four times, and then pupate. Once this stage has been completed, the adult flea emerges. Fleas feed on the blood of animals, and females need a blood feed before they can lay eggs, of which they produce about 500. The eggs hatch within two weeks, and under the right environmental conditions, the whole life cycle can be as short as three weeks. Fleas can lie dormant as a pupae for up to a year, and an adult flea can survive a year without feeding. They jump by releasing stored energy, rather than through muscle power, and can jump about 8 inches, which is about 150 times their own height.