What does a flea look like and how to combat it? - briefly
Fleas are tiny, wingless insects 1–3 mm long, dark brown, laterally flattened, with strong hind legs that enable jumps of up to 200 times their body length. Control relies on thorough vacuuming, laundering bedding at high temperature, and applying suitable insecticides or flea‑preventive products to pets.
What does a flea look like and how to combat it? - in detail
Fleas are small, laterally compressed insects measuring 1.5–3 mm in length. The body is dark brown to reddish, covered with fine hairs that give a matte appearance. Six short legs end in strong spines that enable powerful jumps up to 200 times the flea’s own body length. The head is reduced, lacking chewing mouthparts; instead, a piercing‑sucking proboscis penetrates the host’s skin to draw blood. Antennae are short and concealed beneath the thorax. The abdomen expands after a blood meal, becoming visibly distended.
The life cycle comprises egg, larva, pupa and adult stages. Eggs are laid on the host or in the surrounding environment and hatch within 2–5 days. Larvae are blind, C‑shaped, and feed on organic debris, including adult flea feces. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon; emergence is triggered by vibrations, carbon dioxide and heat from a potential host. Adult fleas remain on the host, feeding every 2–3 days and reproducing continuously.
Effective control requires a multi‑stage approach:
- Remove adult fleas from the host using topical or oral ectoparasitic agents approved for the species concerned.
- Treat the environment with an insect growth regulator (IGR) to prevent immature development.
- Apply a residual adulticide to carpets, bedding and cracks where pupae may reside; ensure proper ventilation and follow label instructions.
- Conduct thorough vacuuming of floors, upholstery and pet bedding; discard vacuum bags or empty canisters immediately.
- Wash all removable fabrics at ≥ 60 °C or use a dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Deploy diatomaceous earth or silica‑based powders in crevices; maintain dryness to preserve efficacy.
- Consider professional pest‑management services for severe infestations or when chemical use is restricted.
Monitoring includes placing sticky traps near pet resting areas and inspecting fur daily for moving insects. Re‑treatment after two weeks targets newly emerged adults that escaped initial applications. Maintaining regular grooming, proper sanitation and prompt removal of waste reduces the likelihood of re‑infestation.