If you are a pet owner, then you know that fleas can be a huge problem. Not only do they make your pet itchy and uncomfortable, but they can also infest your home. Fleas can be difficult to control because eggs, larvae and pupae may remain in carpets, bedding, furniture and other areas away from the animal. Effective control may require professional treatment of the property alongside veterinarian-recommended flea treatment for every pet in the household. This blog post will discuss everything you need to know about fleas: how to identify a flea infestation, the best ways to get rid of them, and how to prevent them from coming back.
Newcastle Pest Exterminators offers professional flea control treatments to get rid of these pesky critters. We inspect the affected areas and recommend a treatment plan based on the extent of the infestation, where pets spend their time and the conditions around the property. Fleas can be a real nuisance, but with our help, you can get rid of them and enjoy peace of mind once again. We apply registered flea-control products according to their approved labels and provide instructions about preparation, temporary vacancy and when people and pets can safely re-enter treated areas.
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are small, wingless external parasites that feed on the blood of animals and sometimes humans. Adult fleas are generally brown, laterally flattened and approximately 2 to 4 mm long. Their powerful hind legs allow them to jump onto passing hosts.
The cat flea is the most common flea found on cats and dogs in Australia. Despite its name, it can also feed on dogs, humans and other mammals. Adult fleas spend much of their time feeding on an animal, but their eggs fall into carpets, bedding, furniture, floor gaps and outdoor resting areas. Larvae and pupae then develop in these surrounding environments.
Flea bites commonly cause itching, redness and skin irritation. Pets can also develop flea-allergy dermatitis, hair loss or secondary skin infections. Heavy infestations may contribute to anaemia, particularly in puppies and kittens. Fleas can transmit flea tapeworm when an infected flea is swallowed during grooming.
Fleas have transmitted serious diseases in some parts of the world. However, claims about diseases such as plague need Australian context: NSW Health states that plague is not present in Australia.
Understanding the Flea Life Cycle
Fleas develop through four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Depending on temperature, humidity, food and flea species, the complete life cycle can take from approximately two weeks to several months.
Flea pupae develop inside protective cocoons and can remain in the environment until they detect heat, carbon dioxide, pressure or movement from a potential host. As a result, newly emerged adult fleas may continue appearing after treatment. This does not always mean the treatment has failed. Follow-up work and continued pet protection may be required to break the complete life cycle.
How to Identify a Flea Infestation
Signs of fleas may appear on pets, people or in areas where animals rest. Look for:
- Frequent scratching, biting or excessive grooming
- Red or irritated skin
- Hair loss or inflamed areas on a pet
- Small black specks, known as flea dirt, in the coat or bedding
- Small brown insects moving through the fur
- Itchy bites, often concentrated around the ankles and lower legs
- Fleas jumping near pet beds, carpets or upholstered furniture
Fleas can be difficult to see, particularly when an animal grooms frequently. Some pets with flea-allergy dermatitis can develop significant irritation from only a small number of bites. A veterinarian can examine an affected animal and rule out other causes of itching.
If fleas are also appearing inside the property, a professional inspection can help determine which rooms and resting areas require environmental treatment.
How to Get Rid of Fleas
Effective flea control usually requires coordinated treatment of the property and every pet in the household. Treating only the carpet may leave adult fleas feeding on untreated pets. Treating only the pets may leave eggs, larvae and pupae developing in bedding, carpets and other resting areas.
Newcastle Pest Exterminators can inspect and treat affected environmental areas, which may include:
- Carpets and flooring
- Skirting boards and floor-to-wall joints
- Areas beneath furniture and rugs
- Pet bedding and sleeping areas
- Upholstered furniture, where suitable for treatment
- Sheltered outdoor areas where pets regularly rest
Pet owners should speak with a veterinarian about an appropriate flea-control product for each animal. The correct product depends on the animal’s species, age, weight and health. Never apply a dog flea product to a cat unless a veterinarian specifically confirms it is suitable. Some pyrethroid products used on dogs can be highly toxic to cats. animalpoisons.com.au
Follow all preparation and re-entry instructions provided before environmental treatment. Food, pet bowls, bedding and children’s toys may need to be removed or protected. People and animals must remain away from treated areas for the period specified by the product label and technician.
Because pupae can remain protected inside their cocoons, some fleas may emerge after the initial treatment. Continued vacuuming, veterinarian-recommended pet protection and any scheduled follow-up treatment help break the life cycle.
How to Prevent Fleas
After environmental treatment, consistent prevention is important. Recommended steps may include:
- Use veterinarian-recommended flea prevention for every pet in the household.
- Follow the correct dosing schedule for each product.
- Never use a flea treatment intended for dogs on a cat.
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, furniture and areas where pets rest.
- Wash pet bedding regularly according to its care instructions.
- Check pets after boarding, grooming or contact with other animals.
- Keep indoor and outdoor sleeping areas clean and dry.
- Address rodent activity, as rodents can carry fleas onto a property.
- Arrange targeted treatment of outdoor resting areas only when an inspection identifies a need.
Fleas can remain active throughout the year in suitable environments, so prevention should not be limited to summer. Your veterinarian can recommend a program based on your pet’s lifestyle and local risk.
These measures can reduce the likelihood of another infestation, although no prevention method can guarantee that fleas will never be introduced again.
Flea Control in Newcastle
Flea control is most successful when the property and the animals are managed together. Newcastle Pest Exterminators can inspect and treat the environmental areas where flea eggs, larvae, pupae and adults may be present. Your veterinarian can provide the appropriate treatment and ongoing protection for your pets.
If fleas continue appearing around carpets, furniture or pet sleeping areas, contact Newcastle Pest Exterminators to arrange an inspection. We will explain how to prepare the property, which areas require attention and whether follow-up treatment may be needed.
For flea treatments in Maitland click here. For flea treatments in Canberra click here.
