Fleas are external parasites that live off the blood of humans, mammals and birds. Their tiny size allows them to attach to their host without being noticed, until itchy red bites appear. The bites are distinguishable from mosquito bites as they are much smaller an often appear in clusters. They also remain itchy and inflamed for up to several weeks. Fleas can cause hair loss in animals as a result of frequent scratching and biting in an attempt to alleviate the itching. In extreme cases, fleas have also been reported to cause anaemia by withdrawing a significant amount of blood over prolonged periods from animals.
These parasites are also responsible for transmitting a vast array of serious illnesses, bacterial viruses and tapeworm.
They thrive at higher temperatures, but are able to live and multiply in average temperatures ranging 21° to 32 °C.
If you are moving into a new house, it is very sensible to seek the assistance of professional fumigators. It will be unknown to you whether the previous occupants had pets or a long-standing flea infestation that is still flourishing within the woodwork of your new home. The ideal treatment would be a fogger or spray insecticide containing an insect growth regulator, such as pyriproxyfen or methoprene that will kill eggs and pupae, which are quite resistant against normal insecticides.
If you have pets, ensure that they are bathed regularly and that regular spot-on insecticide treatments are used. After this treatment, your pets will need to be thoroughly bathed again as all the flea carcasses will still remain in their fur. Combing their fur will result in the elimination of what is known as flea dirt: flea faeces, larva and pupae.
Amorphous silica (Diatomaceous earth) is commonly available and can be used as an effective flea repellent. However, this should not be confused with the similarly named crystalline silica which is used in pool filters. The latter grade is highly toxic when inhaled and has not been proven effective for the treatment of fleas. Silica should not be used in homes with pets or children.
Baking soda can be used to kill fleas and is a safe food grade substance. Sprinkled onto carpets, baking soda is said to dehydrate the fleas, including their larvae and eggs. The soda can be easily vacuumed up afterwards on the condition of safe disposal. While this natural remedy has proven successful for short-term relief, multiple weekly treatments will be required and the chemical composition is not strong enough to fumigate out a large infestation or locate the main nest.
Fleas cannot withstand high temperatures so any laundry items that are suspected of containing fleas can be soaked in boiling water and then machine washed for maximum results.
A combination of controlled humidity, temperature, and vacuuming should eliminate fleas from an environment. Altering even one of these environmental factors may be enough to drastically lower and eliminate an infestation.
As most home flea treatments are highly poisonous to both humans and animals, it is always advisable to contact a professional company instead of attempting to conduct the fumigation on your own.