Fleas are the most common parasites of dogs and cats. What never seems apparent to most pet owners is the fleas they only represent 5% of the flea population. Fleas live in the pet's environment especially the bedding; they only feed on the pet for a blood meal to lay their eggs.

Fleas are insects similar to butterflies or mosquitoes so it has 4 stages in its life cycle. Only the adult fleas need to feed on the pet. One female flea can lay upwards of 200 eggs in her lifetime. THese eggs hatch into a small caterpillar or larvae, which seek a dry, dark, dusty recess to spin into a cocoon or pupae.

Mattresses and cushions make comfortable beds for our pets but are ideal for breeding fleas. Once the cocoon has been spun it can lay dormant for up to 2 years unharmed by chemicals but waiting for favourable conditions especially summer heat.

With vibration and warmth the new immature adult (commonly called a ground flea) emerges to seek a blood meal from a dog or cat. In favourable weather especially summer this life cycle can take only 3 weeks.

So knowing this information about fleas, we can treat the fleas on our pets and in the environment where our pets live. Topical spot-on monthly products such as Frontline, Advantage, Advocate and Revolution are effective adulticides used on the pets to kill and repel the adult fleas.

While environmental control involves washing bedding fortnightly, spraying with surface sprays and flea bombs routinely. Remember, if you have recently moved and noticed a flea plague your new environment is contaminated and it needs to be treated thoroughly.

Summer time is the fleas' most favourable season especially December and January. However, they are still active during winter in South-East Queensland at a low level so it is important to maintain routine flea control throughout the year. It is important to understand how best to treat your pets and your environment.

Please contact us, so we can advise you.