Fleas

fleaThere are up to 60 different species of flea in the UK. Adult fleas are external parasites of warm blooded animals and birds. The most common fleas experienced with the UK are as follows:

Cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis)

The most common type of flea experienced within the UK. This flea is parasitic as adults and has adapted to living among the fur of the host and feeding on its blood. The eggs and larvae can live away from the host in warm quite areas ie wall floor junctions, carpeted areas and pet bedding.

The adult flea can jump vertically approximately 6 inches, therefore the majority of bits to humans from this pest predominate around the lower leg and ankle areas. However, with large infestations the pests can live in items of furniture ie sofas, which would result in bites being higher on the body of a human.

One female cat flea can lay up to 1000 eggs which are laid in small batches after a blood feed.

Fleas can live up to 12 months without a blood feed.

Dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis)

There is very little difference between the dog and car flea apart from the size of the insect. They feed, breed and infest habitable buildings the same as a car flea. The treatment for both types of flea are exactly the same.

Pigeon flea (Ceratophyllus columbae)

This is a host specific flea that singles out feral and domestic pigeons. They infrequently feed on humans, however if the host birds are not available, they will feed on human blood.

Control *

Sabre can offer a wide range of treatments and programmes to control an infestation of biting insects such as fleas.

Highly trained and experienced operatives can provide a thorough survey and inspection of premises to establish the cause and areas of infestations. A high quality and effective treatment programme will be advised to control such an infestation. Treatments include insecticide sprays and dusts to control all stages of the life cycle of such pests.

*Please note that Sabre can only treat areas and certain materials for flea infestations. Domestic animals that are affected by such pests will have to be treated with an approved preparation as advised by professionals such as qualifiedveterinary staff.

Please call 01923 634564  or e-mail info@sabrepestcontrol.co.uk  for further assistance.