Fleas
Assisting residential and business owners with effective pest control services throughout:
- QLD: Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast, Townsville
- NSW: Sydney, Newcastle (Hunter & Central Coast), Wagga Wagga, Nowra
- ACT: Canberra
There are 16 different families of fleas worldwide, consisting of about 2380 species. In Australia 9 of these families are represented with just 90 different species.
Iopsyllidae and Pulicidae Species
About half of the endemic species that occur in Australia are found in the iopsyllidae family.
The Pulicidae family contains many of the introduced fleas such as the cat, dog and human flea, as well as some native species. They are parasites of warm blooded animals, particularly dogs and cats.
From Egg to Infestation
Several hundred eggs are laid during a female’s lifetime. Small, white and smooth, the eggs freely drop off to cause infestation in areas frequented by the host.
White, legless larvae hatch and feed on food debris, skin scales and the blood-rich faeces of the adult flea. About two weeks later, the larvae spin a silken cocoon, pupate and await the vibrations that signify the passing of prospective host. This may explain why hordes of fleas appear “on cue” when you enter your home after being away on holidays. Nevertheless, fleas can remain in virtual hibernation in the pupal stage for up to a year and still survive.
