FLEA

Flea- The Facts
Fleas are insects from the order Siphonaptera. These are wingless insects. They have mouthparts that can pierce skin and suck blood from the hosts. These are external parasites, living totally on host blood. They make both mammals and birds their hosts.

Flea Species
1. Cat Fleas
2. Dog Fleas
3. Human Fleas
4. Moorhen Fleas
5. Northern Rat Fleas
6. Oriental Rat Fleas
More than 2000 species of fleas have been discovered and reported worldwide.

The facts you should know
Fleas are insects that go through Four Life Cycle stages. Eggs
Eggs are laid by females after feeding on host blood. Eggs are laid in batches of 20 or so, on the host itself. The area where the host rests become the primary habitat of fleas.

Larvae
Larvae emerge from eggs and grow by feeding on any organic material. These are blind and avoid sunlight.

Pupae
Pupae come out of larvae in 1 to 2 weeks. They rest during this period, doing nothing.

Adult Flea
The adult flea lives only on host blood and reproduces. It can live up to one and half years. But without hosts it dies within a few days.

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Diseases Caused by Fleas

Direct Effects of Bites
The Fleas are a nuisance to their hosts. They live on their host blood and are indirect parasitism. The bites cause an itching sensation with irritation. It leads to the host scratching the spot to get rid of the flea. The bite spot swells with a puncture in the center. These bites may appear as a cluster or lines of bites.

As A Vector
Fleas act as a vector for diseases. They transmit diseases while sucking blood from hosts.

Bacterial Diseases- Murine or Endemic Typhus, Bubonic Plague.
Viral Diseases- Myxomatosis
Helminthes- Tapeworm
Protozoa- Trypanosome Protozoa

Flea Treatments for Humans
An Anti itch cream should be immediately applied on the flea bite spots to control itching, irritation and reduce swelling.

Flea Treatment for Home

Flea treatment for flea infestations at home is in different ways:
1. A Spot on insecticide can kill the flea instantly.
2. A fogger or spray insecticide containing an insect growth regulator covers a wider area in the house.
3. Frequent and thorough vacuum cleaning is very effective inside a house, especially on furniture’s, beds etc.
4. Diatomaceous earth is very effective as a home flea treatment.
5. Regular & Proper bathing can cure flea infestations.
6. Baking soda kills flea by dehydrating them. Sprinkling it everywhere inside a home will kill fleas.
7. Borax is a very effective indoor flea treatment.
8. The best, most effective and guaranteed method is to take help of a professional pest controlling service.