There are more than 2,000 different species and
sub-species of fleas known throughout the world, but only a few are found on our pets. The
most common is the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), which infests both dogs and cats.
Life Cycle
The flea spends its entire adult life on the host, mating
and laying eggs only while on the pet. These eggs fall off the pet and are therefore
deposited anywhere the pet has access to. Thus the largest number of eggs are found in
places where the animal spends the most time.
Fleas have an extremely high reproductive capacity and may lay up to as many as 50 eggs a
day. Because of this high reproductive rate, the female flea must feed quite often,
estimated at 14 microlitres of blood a day. At that rate, it would only take 70 fleas to
consume 1ml of blood daily. A heavily infested pet can very quickly become anemic and
hence many more times susceptible to other diseases. A tiny kitten can easily be bled to
death.
The flea eggs hatch into larvae that feed on debris and flea feces in the environment.
This larval stage lasts a week or two after which the larvae spins a cocoon around itself
in which it is virtually immune to insecticides.
Flea Control
The fundamentals of flea control are the elimination of
fleas on the pet and prevention of subsequent flea generations. This can be done with a
combination of several measures.
In order to kill the adult flea, an adulticide must be used. Although these products work
fairly well, research has found that there is still a very real potential that some
females do survive. Therefore, the addition of another product (an Insect Growth Regulator
or IGR) to prevent reproduction is also necessary.
In addition, environmental treatment must also take place. This consists of vacuuming and
also a household spray. All areas where pets go, including cushions and pillows, must be
vacuumed. Wash all throw rugs and all the pets bedding. This will remove a large number of
eggs and larvae. Once you are done vacuuming, immediately
remove, seal, and dispose of the vacuum bag.
The "Pupal
Window"
The pupa presents the biggest obstacle in any flea
control program since insecticides cannot kill the pupa under the super protection of its
cocoon. When an adulticide/IGR combination is used and the adult fleas and larvae are
killed, the pupae continue to develop into adult fleas and will emerge from their cocoons
for the next 2 to 4 weeks. The answer to this problem is to continue using the adulticide
during this period.
Treating the Pet
Bathing the pet initially with a soap free insecticidal
shampoo ensures initial flea removal, makes the pet feel better, and cleanses the coat
from flea feces and debris.
The adulticide is applied to the pet's hair coat and kills most of the adult fleas on the
pet within 24 hours. The IGR is given orally on a once a month basis, on a full stomach so
that it is absorbed with the food.
Prevention Before
Infestation
The easiest way to treat a flea problem is to prevent an
infestation from taking place. Start your pets on an IGR well before the flea season and
continue it during the season. If you are moving to a new house, vacuum and spray the
place before you move in.
If this is done properly, you may never have to use any insecticides on your pet at all.
Information taken from: Pets Magazine. Jan/Feb 1999. Moorshead Magazine Ltd. 1999.
Back to Health Topics
