Fleas are blood sucking insects of warm blooded mammals. The most common pest fleas in the UK are cat and dog fleas. There are fleas that infest humans, but these are becoming increasingly rare in an age of better sanitation.

Indentification

They are wingless, flattened laterally and vary in colour from greyish through to a dark mahogany.

Cat fleas are the most common, with the female cat flea having to feed on cat blood to be able to lay eggs. They may, however, also feed on human blood and typically will attack the lower portion of the leg, particularly at ankle level.

Frequent flea bites around the waist and abdomen are an indication of a human flea infestation.

The bites can give rise to the characteristic dark red spots around the area which remain irritated for one or two days.

Control

The majority of flea infestations are of cat fleas and control involves the disinfestation of the family cats using proprietary powders, shampoos or collars. This must be carried out by the Householder, combined with the disinfestation of the cats bedding and areas of the house likely to be affected.

Human flea infestations can involve a similar treatment with the disinfestation of the person again being the responsibility of the Householder.

Control can be achieved by the Pest Control Officer in most cases by use of insecticide liquid. This is sprayed mainly on the floor area and instructions are given to the householder to refrain from vacuuming, cleaning, etc. for a period of time so that the insecticide has a residual effect. In this way eggs, larvae and adult fleas are soon eradicated.

There is currently a charge for flea treatments. Please click here for a list of current charges.

Contact the Customer Service Line to request treatment for the fleas.