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Biology: Fleas are a host specific parasite e.g. feline fleas
feed on cats blood, canine fleas feed on dogs blood etc.
Female fleas will lay upto 6000 eggs during it's life time, at a rate of 200 a day. The eggs will hatch after
48 - 72 hours and small hairy larvae emerge, which feed on organic debris such as flakes of skin and specks
of blood. The larvae pupate in approximately 21 days, and can emerge as adults within a matter of days,
however, they can lay dormant for several years.
The pupae hatch when triggered by body heat or foot vibrations, indicating the presence of a host.
Once the adult emerges, it must feed. Jumping on the victim, injecting an anticoagulant, anaesthetising the area,
it will feed. It will survive on blood from any warm blooded animal, but it must have the blood of it's host
to breed.
Fleas are vectors of many bacterial diseases, the flea of the black rat was responsible for the spread of the
Bubonic Plague throughout Europe. Their bites can result in irritation and sores, leaving the victim vulnerable
to further infection. Records show that the number of flea infestations has increased over recent years, and 90%
of infestations are of Feline fleas. Precautionary treatment of the cat will significantly reduce the risk.
Size: 2 - 3mm.
Markings: Dark mahogany.
Location: All areas cats can access e.g. Carpets, bedding, under furniture.
Detection: Bites, often on lower legs, visual sightings of adult.
Solution: For a survey, quotation and treatment contact AQUILA
All Surveys and Quotations are free of charge
All work undertaken is guaranteed
All Work carried out is completed to the standards recommended
by the industries governing bodies
