Fleas

Identification

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Fleas are tiny, jumping parasites that can cause significant nuisance and discomfort to both pets and humans in Sri Lanka.

Physical description: Wingless insects, reddish-brown in color, about 2-3mm long. They have a flattened body, strong legs for jumping, and mouthparts adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood.
Habitat: Fleas don’t live permanently on a host. They prefer to live in carpets, bedding, furniture, and pet bedding where they lay eggs. They jump onto pets or humans for blood meals.
Feeding habits: Adult fleas feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, including dogs, cats, humans (occasionally), and even wild animals like rodents.

Life cycle: Fleas have a complete metamorphosis with four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Females lay eggs in their environment, which hatch into light-sensitive larvae that feed on organic debris. After a few molts, they pupate in cocoons. Adult fleas emerge from the pupae and seek a host for a blood meal. The entire life cycle can take 2-3 weeks under ideal conditions.
Activity patterns: Fleas are most active in warm, humid environments. They are stimulated by vibrations (like footsteps) and body heat, which helps them locate a host.

Visual signs:
- On pets: Seeing fleas jumping on your pet’s fur, especially near the base of the tail. Flea dirt (tiny black specks) in your pet’s fur, which is flea feces.
- In the environment: Flea eggs or pupae in carpets, furniture, or pet bedding.
Behavioral signs:
- Pets: Scratching excessively, biting at their fur, restlessness, hair loss (especially from scratching).
- Humans: Flea bites appear as small, red, itchy bumps, often clustered on the ankles and legs.

For pets: Fleas can cause flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) due to their saliva, leading to intense itching, skin irritation, and potential infections from scratching.
For humans: While less common, flea bites can cause itchy bumps and allergic reactions. Fleas can also potentially transmit tapeworms.

Treat your pet: Use veterinarian-approved flea medication for your pet, such as topical treatments, oral medications, or flea collars. Treat all pets in the household simultaneously.
Treat your environment: Thoroughly vacuum carpets, furniture, and pet bedding. Wash pet bedding in hot water. Consider using a flea spray or fogger for heavily infested areas (consult a professional for safe application).
Prevent future infestations: Regularly vacuum your home, wash pet bedding frequently, and maintain a clean environment. Consider using preventative flea medication on your pets year-round, especially if they spend time outdoors.

Several flea species can be found in Sri Lanka, with the most common being the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) and the dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis).
Fleas can jump long distances (up to 13cm) to reach a host.
Addressing flea infestations requires a multi-pronged approach, treating both your pets and your environment.