Who are fleas and how to combat them? - briefly
Fleas are tiny, wingless parasites that consume the blood of mammals and birds, often causing itching and transmitting disease. Effective control relies on regular grooming, thorough cleaning of bedding and surroundings, and the use of approved insecticidal products.
Who are fleas and how to combat them? - in detail
Fleas are small, wing‑less insects belonging to the order Siphonaptera. Adult specimens measure 1–4 mm, possess laterally compressed bodies, and are covered with hardened bristles that enable rapid jumping. Their life cycle comprises egg, larva, pupae, and adult stages; development proceeds within a few weeks under warm, humid conditions, but can be delayed for months when temperature and moisture are low. Females lay 20–50 eggs on the host or in the surrounding environment; eggs hatch within two to five days, and larvae feed on organic debris, including adult flea feces, before spinning cocoons in which pupation occurs.
These parasites feed exclusively on the blood of mammals and birds, causing irritation, allergic reactions, and, in severe infestations, anemia. In humans, flea bites appear as clustered, red papules often surrounded by a halo of inflammation. Domestic animals, particularly cats and dogs, may develop dermatitis, hair loss, and secondary infections. Fleas also serve as vectors for pathogens such as Yersinia pestis (plague), Rickettsia spp. (murine typhus), and Bartonella henselae (cat‑scratch disease).
Effective management requires interruption of the flea life cycle at multiple points. Strategies include:
- Chemical control: topical insecticides (e.g., fipronil, imidacloprid) applied to pets; oral systemic agents (e.g., nitenpyram, spinosad); environmental sprays or foggers containing pyrethrins or insect growth regulators (IGRs) such as methoprene and pyriproxyfen.
- Mechanical removal: regular grooming with flea combs; vacuuming carpets, upholstery, and bedding to extract eggs, larvae, and pupae; washing pet linens at ≥ 60 °C.
- Biological agents: introduction of entomopathogenic nematodes (e.g., Steinernema spp.) or fungi (e.g., Metarhizium anisopliae) that infect and kill immature stages in the environment.
- Preventive measures: maintaining indoor humidity below 50 % and temperature under 25 °C to inhibit development; applying monthly prophylactic treatments to pets; sealing cracks and crevices to reduce harborage sites.
Combining these approaches, monitoring infestation levels, and adhering to a consistent treatment schedule provide the most reliable reduction of flea populations and limit the risk of disease transmission.