Fleas are a parasite which feed on the blood of warm blooded animals, including humans. Fleas pierce the skin, inject an anti-coagulant chemical into the host to prevent blood clotting and suck out the blood some passing straight through their rectum in order to lay their eggs. A flea bite can cause acute irritation, infection and transfer of other parasites, such as, tapeworms.

Fleas often enter a building on dogs and cats, and are commonly deposited in carpeted areas, in the garden, yard and under the building.

Flea eggs can take several weeks to more than 12 months to hatch - generally during hot humid weather causing an instant infestation of plague proportions.

It is essential for carpets to be thoroughly vacuumed especially in low traffic areas, under furniture, etc, before habitat areas are treated with a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide containing an insect growth regulator which inhibits development during the egg and larvae stage of their life cycle.

To prevent reinfestation the property owner should regularly vacuum carpets and wash dog or cat with shampoo containing a flea control product. Restrict access of dog or cat to internal and subfloor areas particularly during the summer months.

Professional flea control will cost approx $180 to $220 inc GST, depending on the size of the premises, buildings and yards, using the safer (more expensive) effective flea control products.