The three main common species are
the cat flea, the dog flea and the human flea.
To guard against flea
infestations pets should preferably be treated regularly with a
proprietary spot-on treatment. Alternatively they should be
regularly checked for fleas and treated if necessary with a flea
spray or collar. Regular use of a flea comb is also very
effective. Minor infestations should be treated following
advice given below. Havant Borough Council offers a
disinfestation service where a trained operative is sent in to
spray the house in question with insecticide.
Telephone: (023) 9244 6017
Email: customer.services@havant.gov.uk
Visit: Customer Services reception in the
atrium of the Public Service Plaza, Civic Centre Road, Havant PO9
2AX
The Life Cycle of the Flea
The adult flea is about 2mm long and brownish in colour.
Flea eggs are small, oval shaped and pearl white in colour and
are laid indiscriminately in the fur of the host or in its bedding
or resting material. The eggs hatch in about one week into white
thread-like larvae. The larvae thrive in dark, humid places such as
carpets and animal bedding.
After two to three weeks when they are fully-grown the larvae
spin a cocoon and pupate. The adult usually emerges within seven
weeks but can remain as a pupa throughout the winter, only emerging
when triggered by the movement of a suitable host. The complete
life cycle will normally last four weeks but may take longer at low
temperatures.
All fleas live as parasites on warm-blooded animals and
although they have a preferred host, both the cat and dog flea can
also be found on and feed from other animals and man. Fleas can
also be found in the host's bedding. The flea population reaches it
peak in September and is a particular problem in areas of high
population density.
Fleas can be responsible for the transmission of parasitic
worms such as the dog tapeworm so it is advisable to regularly worm
your dog or cat.
Flea bites will be seen as tiny dark red sports surrounded by
a reddened area. The bit will remain irritating for one to two days
and in some cases may lead to hypersensitivity.
What the Council can
do
We can send a trained operative to spray your house with an
insecticide that will kill the fleas. The insecticide is not
available to the general public.
Once the property has been sprayed, any cats or dogs you have
must be kept out of the property until the spray has dried
completely, which takes about two to four hours depending upon
temperature.
After the property has been treated the carpets must not be
vacuumed for 14 days. This is to ensure that fleas hatching out
from recently-laid eggs, will be destroyed by the insecticide. You
will continue to see live fleas for at least 10 days until all the
eggs have hatched out.
Any cats or dogs must be treated for fleas at the same time in
order to prevent reinfestation. Do not treat the cat or dog in the
garden or on the floor. Stand the cat or dog in a dry bath or sink
so that any fleas falling into the bath or sink can be washed
away.
If a child drops a toy onto the floor wash the toy before
giving it back to the child.
If you have a baby, it is advisable to put down a blanket, or
something similar, before you let it crawl on the floor.
What you can do
By taking simple measures you may be able to prevent an
infestation and control a minor flea infestation if one does occur
yourself:
- Pets should preferably be treated regularly with a proprietary
spot-on treatment.
- Thoroughly clean all infested clothing and bedding.
- Thoroughly clean the infested area by vacuuming carpet edges
and soft furnishing and remove all accumulations which may act as a
breeding site.
- After vacuuming always throw the vacuum cleaner bag away or
reinfestation will occur.
- Check your pets regularly for fleas and treat if necessary with
a flea spray or flea collar. Regular use of a flea comb is also
very effective.
Safety Precautions
All pesticides are applied by our qualified and experienced
staff to ensure the safety of the public and to minimise damage to
the environment.
Arranging for a Pest Control treatment
To make an appointment for a Pest Control Operative
to visit please contact us. To find out the charge for this
service click
here >>
Telephone: (023) 9244 6017
Email: customer.services@havant.gov.uk
Visit: Customer Services reception in the
atrium of the Public Service Plaza, Civic Centre Road, Havant PO9
2AX