Flea is the common name for insects of the order Siphonaptera which are wingless insects with mouthparts adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood. Adult fleas are 2-3 mm in length and generally of a shiny brown appearance. They have a thin, laterally flattened body and large hind legs which allow them to jump onto passing hosts.Fleas are external parasites, living by hematophagy off the blood of mammals (including humans) and birds. Flea eggs are about 0.5mm long, oval, pearly-white in colour and laid indiscriminately in the fur or feathers of the host or in its nest or bedding. Four to eight eggs are laid after each blood meal and a single female may produce 800 -1000 eggs during her lifetime, which may be as long as two years.

The larvae thrive in dark, humid places such as animal bedding and carpet fluff, and feed on organic debris and adult flea excrement. Cat’s bedding may support a flea population of 8000 immature and 2000 adult forms. A flea can jump vertically up to 7 inches (18 cm) and horizontally up to 13 inches (33 cm). This is around 200 times their own body length, making the flea one of the best jumpers of all known animals relative to body size.

Where very high populations of fleas are present, a single application of insecticide may not be sufficient as even a 99% kill rate can still leave sufficient survivors to form the basis of a new infestation. Protectahome offers a call-out service to treat fleas and other pest problems in the home or workplace. Our service is fast, effective and offers the highest level of safety.

For more information on Pest Control by Protectahome and associated services we provide, please see our Case Studies or to speak to our Pest Control Department please Contact Us on 0800 055 6966 or alternatively email us via pestcontrol@protectahome.co.uk