![]() ![]() Good hygiene practices, such as frequent house cleaning, should reduce the risk of further infestations.įor further information about finding a professional pest control operator, please refer to the Better Health Channel fact sheet Pest control services. A persistent infestation may need to be treated by a qualified pest control operator.Ī licensed pest control operator can determine the type, source and extent of the infestation, then use registered insecticides to control the fleas.Maintain hygiene practices (regular vacuuming, keeping pets free of fleas and so on) to prevent another infestation.Repeat the procedure once or twice, since flea eggs can survive for some weeks.Treat outdoor areas commonly used by your pet, such as kennels, with appropriate insecticides, wearing gloves and long-sleeved protective clothing as instructed on the label.Use an appropriate spray or ‘flea bomb’ in your house, taking care to follow the label directions carefully. ![]() Throw away the vacuum cleaner bag, since it will contain fleas and eggs, or use a surface spray into the bag. Clean animal bedding and the general surrounds thoroughly.Some general suggestions on eliminating fleas yourself include: Your local council can offer information and advice on dealing with a flea infestation. Treat your pet for tapeworm, since fleas can transmit this parasite through their bite.Treatment options include tablets to be swallowed by the animal, and solutions or powders to be applied to their fur.See your veterinarian for a range of appropriate flea-killing products.Suggestions on treating your pet include: Infested animals should be treated fortnightly for several weeks. See your doctor if the symptoms worsen or if a secondary infection develops (indicated by discharge of pus from wounds).Seek treatment for possible tapeworm infection, since fleas can transmit this parasite through their bite.See your pharmacist for advice on appropriate antihistamine medications to reduce the swelling.Use calamine lotion, anaesthetic creams or similar to treat the itching.Apply an icepack frequently to help relieve swelling.Wash the bites with antiseptic soap to reduce the risk of infection.Flea faeces will leech a ring of blood into the tissue. ![]() For a positive identification, place a few of the specks on a piece of lightly moistened white tissue. Flea faeces look like miniscule dark specks. Look for the fleas themselves or for flea faeces (poo). Check for fleas by parting the fur, particularly around the ears and rump. Your pet may be irritated by flea bites and scratch often. Household pets and fleasĭogs and cats are common ‘reservoirs’ for fleas. This is why you may be bitten after entering a house that has been unoccupied for some time. Vibration, such as footsteps, prompts adult fleas to emerge from their cocoons. The larvae cocoon themselves within weeks of hatching. The eggs are light coloured and oval shaped. Female fleas are prompted to lay their eggs after feeding. Flea saliva contains anticoagulants to encourage the blood to keep flowing. The flea uses its saw-like mandibles (jaws) to cut through skin, usually on accessible parts of the body such as the legs or feet.
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