Get rid of all the fleas!
What are fleas?
Fleas are small, wingless, insects sized between 1-8mm. They are external parasites, living off the blood of mammals and birds. There are about 2000 species of fleas worldwide; the most common is the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis). Yes, the cat flea will infest both dogs and cats.Fleas attack a wide variety of warm-blooded creatures including humans, dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits, squirrels, rats and mice.
Where do fleas live?
Fleas can live on a variety of hosts. The cat flea, for instance, can be found on a wide range of hosts from cats and dogs, through to camels and cattle. There is, however, a human flea, (Pulex irritans), which is quite rare and can also be found on a variety of hosts including badgers, pigs and foxes. Fleas are usually found in the fur, feathers or sleeping areas of their hosts, depending on the host's activity. In the home environment, the cat flea is commonly found the dog or cat itself, in its bedding, or in its favorite resting area.
Why are fleas a problem?
Fleas suck blood and cause anemia. They are also a nuisance to their hosts, causing an itching sensation with may cause its host to scratch aggressively and in some instances even harm itself. Fleas are not simply a source of annoyance, however. Some people and animals suffer allergic reactions to flea saliva that result in rashes.
What is the flea's life cycle?
The flea's life cycle is dependant on temperature and moisture, but generally lasts around 21 to 35 days.
For most of their life cycle, fleas can be found between floorboards, in rugs and carpets, in beds and couches. Only adult fleas are found on pets.
The female flea lays its eggs in the pet's fur. These eggs, along with flea droppings, fall off the pet and can be located wherever the animal was during the day - on a rug, a couch - even your own bed!
The eggs hatch into maggot-like larvae, which feed on flea droppings until they turn into a cocoon-like pupa , where they will stay for 10 to 17 days. If the surroundings conditions are right and hosts such as your dog or cat are around - the flea will emerge from the cocoon and start looking for a host. If the environment is not favorable and hosts are not available. The flea has the ability to wait in the cocoon for months, which is why flea management operations must be carried out throughout the year.
While adult fleas can live up to 100 days on the pet, most do not live long on the pet - they die after 7 to 14 days. They are replaced by other fleas that have been developing in the area. For the flea-treatment to be affective, both the environment and the pet must be treated.
How can I tell if my pet has fleas?
A flea allergic dog's reaction to fleas can usually be noticed as hair loss at the lower back, above the tail. A flea allergic cat's reaction will usually be noticed as hair loss and bumps around the neck and head.
In most cases - the owner will see small (sand- grain size) fleas moving through the pet's fur. The male fleas may be black to brown in color, while females may have an enlarged orange abdomen. In other cases adult fleas may be difficult to observe on the pet,, but the reddish-black flea feces may be apparent. To confirm that these are flea feces, the animal should be brushed in a manner that allows the feces to land on a white, moist cloth such as a handkerchief. If these are indeed flea feces, they will dissolve leaving blood- red marks may be found on the cloth. These are flea droppings left by the fleas.
Troubleshooting
LEDs do not light up:
1.Ensure operating switch is in ‘I’ or ‘A’ position.
2.If you are operating on external power supply:
- Check connections between the electrical cable and the outlet, and between the electric cable and socket.
- Make sure to replace batteries before they wear out.
