Fleas are a type of wingless parasite found worldwide. They feed off the blood of humans and animals such as dogs and cats. Since fleas use a wide range of hosts, diseases can be transferred from one host to another. Fleas are known to transmit tapeworm larvae and, uncommonly, the disease murine typhus. They are most notorious for transmitting bubonic plague from wild rodents to humans within certain parts of the world (not Australia). There are three main species of flea that infest humans:
- Cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis)
- Dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis)
- Human flea (Pulex irritans).
The cat and dog flea are common in Australia. A flea bite is intensely itchy, and secondary infections caused by scratching are common.
Symptoms of a flea bite
The bite of a flea has certain features:
Physical characteristics of the flea
- It is extremely itchy
- A red, swollen wheal develops anywhere up to half an hour after the bite
- After a day or so, the wheal (lump) may develop into a blister or small wound
- The legs and feet are often targeted
- Secondary infections caused by scratching are common
- Some people may become hypersensitive (very sensitive) to bites.
- Is wingless, oval shaped and around two to 8mm long
- Is light to deep brown in colour
- Has a disproportionately small head
- Has six legs
- Has large hind legs that enable them to jump long distances.
Adult fleas can survive for some months without feeding. The flea uses its saw-like mandibles (jaws) o cut through skin, usually on accessible parts of the body such as the legs or feet. Flea saliva contains anticoagulants to encourage the blood to keep flowing. Female fleas are prompted to lay their eggs after feeding. The eggs are light coloured and oval-shaped. The larvae cocoon themselves within weeks of hatching. Vibration, such as footsteps, prompts adult fleas to emerge from their cocoons. This is why you may be bitten after entering a house that has been unoccupied for some time.
Dogs and cats are common ‘reservoirs’ for fleas. Your pet may be irritated by flea bites and scratch often. Check for fleas by parting the fur, particularly around the ears and rump. Look for the fleas themselves or for flea faeces (poo). Flea faeces look like miniscule dark specks. For a positive identification, place a few of the specks on a piece of lightly moistened white tissue. Flea faeces will leech a ring of blood into the tissue.
Suggestions to treat flea bites include:
Treating your pet
- Resist the urge to scratch.
- Wash the bites with antiseptic soap to reduce the risk of infection.
- Apply an icepack frequently to help relieve swelling.
- Use calamine lotion, anaesthetic creams or similar to treat the itching.
- See your chemist for advice on appropriate antihistamine medications to reduce the swelling.
- Seek treatment for possible tapeworm infection, since fleas can transmit this parasite through their bite.
- See your doctor if the symptoms worsen, or if a secondary infection develops (indicated by discharge of pus from wounds).
Infested animals should be treated fortnightly for several weeks. Suggestions on treating your pet include:
Treating your house
- See your veterinarian for a range of appropriate flea-killing products.
- Treatment options include tablets to be swallowed by the animal, and solutions or powders to be applied to their fur.
- Treat your pet for tapeworm, since fleas can transmit this parasite through their bite.
Your local council can offer information and advice on dealing with a flea infestation. Some general suggestions on eliminating fleas yourself include:
Professional pest control treatment
- Clean animal bedding and the general surrounds thoroughly.
- Vacuum the carpets and throw away the bag, since it will contain fleas and eggs, use a surface spray into the vacuum cleaner bag.
- Use an appropriate spray or ‘flea bomb’ in each room of the house.
- Treat outdoor areas commonly used by your pet, such as kennels, with appropriate insecticides.
- Wear protective rubber gloves when using insecticides and make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly.
- Repeat the procedure once or twice, since flea eggs can survive for some weeks.
- Maintain hygiene practices (regular vacuuming, keeping pets free of fleas etc) to prevent another infestation.
- A persistent infestation may need to be treated by a qualified pest controller.
A qualified pest controller can determine the type, source and extent of the infestation, then use registered insecticides to control the fleas. Good hygiene practices, such as frequent house cleaning, should reduce the risk of further infestations.
For further information regarding obtaining the services of a Professional Pest Controller please refer to the brochure Pesticides - how to choose a pest control service
available on the Better Health Channel.
Where to get help
Things to remember
- The Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association Tel. (03) 8662 5333 website: www.aepma.com.au
- Professional pest controllers (check the Yellow Pages)
- Your local chemist
- Your doctor
- Your veterinarian
- Your local council.
Bites and stings - first aid
- Fleas are a type of wingless parasite, found worldwide, that feed off the blood of humans and animals such as dogs and cats.
- A flea bite is red, swollen and intensely itchy, and secondary infections caused by scratching are common.
- Treatment options include anaesthetic creams and icepacks to reduce the swelling.
- Persistent flea infestations may need to be treated by a qualified pest controller.
. Bites and stings - first aid
. Head lice - treatment and control
. Pesticides - how to choose a pest control service
. Pesticides - safety when you use a pest control service
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Article publication date: 24/09/2001
Last reviewed: 28/02/2007
This article, like all health articles on the Disability Online, is sourced from Better Health Channel and has passed through a rigorous and exhaustive approval process. It is also regularly updated. For more information see Better Health Channel quality assurance
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