What are fleas?
Flea is a kind of small flightless insects that survive as external parasites of mammals or birds. Fleas live by consuming blood, or hematophagy from their hosts. Adult fleas grow to about 3 mm long, are usually brown, and have bodies that are “flattened” sideways or narrow, enabling them to move through their host’s fur or feathers. They lack wings, but have strong claws preventing them from being dislodged, mouthparts adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood, and hind legs extremely well adapted for jumping. They are able to leap a distance of some 50 times their body length. Flea larvae are worm-like with no limbs; they have chewing mouthparts and feed on organic debris left on their host’s skin.
What does fleas cause?
The oriental rat flea which named Xenopsylla Cheopis is a vector of Yersinia pestis, the bacterium which causes bubonic plague. The disease was spread to humans by rodents that were bitten by infected fleas. Major outbreaks included the Plague of Justinian and also Black Death also cause by fleas. Then, fleas are a nuisance to theirs host. They causing an itching sensation and makes their host to try to remove the pest by biting, pecking or scratching. Flea bites cause a slightly raised, swollen, irritating nodule to form on the epidermis at the site of each bite, with a single puncture point at the centre and it can lead to flea allergy dermatitis disease. They can also cause anaemia.
How to find out?
First, inspect the pets for fleas. Comb through the pet’s fur and inspect the comb for live fleas and flea dirt. If the dirt in the soapy water turns red, then it is flea dirt. Second, inspect the house. Examine the pet bedding and crates for live fleas and flea dirt. Then, check upholstered furniture and other places where you pet may lay. Next, wear a pair of white socks, slowly shuffle your feet over the carpet or rug. After that, use your flashlights to look for live fleas on the socks and the carpet. Third, inspect the yard. Wear the white socks and shoes, slowly shuffle your feet through moist, shady areas around the yard. Then, shine the flashlight on your socks to inspect for live fleas every few seconds. Examine more closely at any place the pet plays or rests in outdoors, under and around trees and bushes, under and on decks or porches, areas where leaf debris has collected.
Solution
First, create a flea trap using dish soap and some water. Fill the solution into a plate or bowl and place it at the areas which receive the most flea activity. Change the fresh batch every day. Second, create herbal flea spray. Create a flea spray by mixing 4 litter of vinegar, 2 litter of water, 500 ml of lemon juice and 250 ml of witch hazel in a large spray bottle. This natural remedy for fleas is made from non-toxic products. Third, use baking soda. Lay down baking soda along carpets and furniture, take a hard brush and rub it into the fabric. After that, vacuum your home thoroughly and empty the contents of the vacuum into a bag and place in an outside trash can.
Prevention
First, ensure to put the pet on a monthly flea treatment. Second, use flea comb to comb through the pet’s fur regularly to ensure no live fleas and flea dirt on the pets. Third, frequently vacuum carpets, rugs and pet accessible furniture. Forth, frequently wash the pets bedding to help remove any flea eggs that may have been deposited.
