Flea facts - 7 Things To Know About Fleas

7 Facts About Fleas

• Environmental Persistence: Did you know 95% of fleas live in your home not on your pet?Fleas can survive for extended periods in the environment, particularly in carpets, upholstery, and bedding. Hoovering regularly and washing pet bedding in hot water can help reduce flea populations in the home. Additionally, treat outdoor areas where possible to reduce reinfestation.

• Fleas are Fighters: Over time, fleas have developed resistance to many traditional flea control methods, such as certain insecticides and flea collars. This highlights the importance of using a multifaceted approach to flea control, including topical treatments like the Itch Flea Treatment for Dogs and Cats, as well as environmental management, like the Itch Flea Home Spray.

• All Year Round: While fleas are often associated with warmer months, they can be a year-round problem. Indoors, fleas can thrive in warm, humid environments, such as centrally heated homes. Even in colder climates, fleas can survive indoors, making it important to maintain an on-going preventative routine.

• Lifecycle: Fleas undergo a complete metamorphosis, consisting of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Understanding this life cycle is essential for effective flea control. Eggs laid by female fleas can hatch within a few days, leading to larvae that feed on organic matter in their environment before pupating and emerging as adults.

• Fleas ain't picky: While certain flea species may have a preference for specific animals, they can still infest a wide range of mammals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and even humans. Their un-picky attitude contributes to their ability to spread rapidly in multi-pet households.

• Scratch that Itch: One of the most noticeable signs of a flea infestation is itching and irritation in pets. Flea bites can cause allergic reactions in some animals, leading to excessive scratching, hair loss, and even skin infections. In severe cases, fleas can transmit diseases such as flea allergy dermatitis and tapeworm infections.

• Flea-borne Diseases: In addition to causing discomfort, fleas can transmit various diseases to both pets and humans. These include murine typhus, flea-borne spotted fever, and cat scratch fever. While the risk of contracting these diseases is relatively low, it's essential to take flea control seriously to minimise the chances of transmission.

How To Prevent Fleas Coming Back

Prevention is key when it comes to keeping fleas gone for good! Follow our tips to reduce the risk of fleas returning to your home and pet:

• Regular Flea Prevention: Use year-round flea prevention products the ensure your pet is protected whatever the weather. Check out the Itch Flea Treatment for Dogs & Cat subscription plan.

• Maintain a Clean Environment: Keep your home clean and hoover regularly to remove flea eggs, larvae, and pupae from carpets and upholstery.

• Wash Bedding and Upholstery: Wash pet bedding, blankets, and any upholstery you can in hot water regularly to kill flea eggs and larvae.

• Treat Outdoor Areas: If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors, treat outdoor areas with flea control products to minimise the risk of fleas hitching a ride back into your home.

• Limit Contact with Wildlife: Avoid areas where wild animals, such as rodents and rabbits are known to hang out, as they can carry fleas that may infest your pet.

• Monitor for Signs of Infestation: Keep an eye on your pet for signs of fleas, such as excessive scratching or flea dirt (flea faeces). Find them early so you can help prevent a full-blown infestation.