Hey there! We know that summer vacation is still in full swing, and many of you are away from home for a while. We just wanted to send a little reminder that upon your return, unexpected guests may be waiting for you: fleas! We know how much you love your pets, so we’re here to help you keep them safe and healthy. Why is it important to be alert for these pesky critters, and why are there more fleas during the summer vacations? Our friend Max Strating of the Animal Pest Knowledge and Advisory Center (KAD) is here to answer the seven most important questions about fleas.
1. What are fleas?
Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. A flea lays as many as two thousand eggs during its eight-month life. These eggs can lie dormant for up to two years. Fleas are usually found in homes where cats and dogs reside. So taking good care of your pets is essential to prevent a flea infestation.
2. How do pets contract fleas?
“Pets can contract fleas through contact with other infected animals, such as at a dog park or pet boarding facility,” explains Strating. “A cat running around outside can also pick up fleas from other animals they encounter.”
3. Why are there more fleas during the summer vacations?
Strating: “In the summer, fleas develop faster because of the heat. Upon returning home, fleas in the house or fleas from pupae that have just hatched are hungry. Those then jump on animals or people.” In addition, flea pupae can sometimes wait in silence for months until they receive a mechanical stimulus. Like movement in the house. “That’s when they hatch. That explains why you can suddenly get fleas after your vacation.”
4. How do you recognize fleas and flea bites?
A flea bite is an itchy bump with a red dot in the middle. They are often on the lower legs, around your ankles or under the waistband of your pants. Fleas can only jump to a certain height, which is why they usually bite the lower parts of the body.
If you suffer from rat or mouse fleas, it could mean there’s a problem with rats or mice in the house
Max Strating, KAD
5. Where are fleas in the home?
“Fleas are in places where pets like to lie, such as baskets. The larvae are light-shy and hide in seams and cracks near these places,” says Strating.
Fleas can also bother you without pets, such as rat or mouse fleas, which can also bite people. These fleas may look for a new food source when their original host is no longer there, such as after the death of a rat or mouse.
“Fleas don’t survive off human blood, but they don’t know that themselves. That’s why they do try it on humans. If you are suffering from rat or mouse fleas, it could mean there is a problem with rats or mice in your home. It is important to solve this, otherwise you will continue to suffer from these fleas,” Strating said.
6. How can you prevent fleas?
There are several ways to prevent fleas in your pets. Strating: “Use flea shampoos, sprays or special bands. Nowadays there are also pills, these make the fleas die when they eat from the animal.”
For people without pets, it is important to remove bird nests under roof tiles after the breeding season and clean them well. Because bird fleas may be present in them, which will look for a new host when the birds fledge.
7. What to do if you have fleas?
Freeze and wash: “You can wash the dog or cat basket at 60 degrees to clean it. If the material can’t stand 60 degrees, freezing is a good alternative. Put your pet’s basket in the freezer at minus 20 degrees for a week. That way fleas in all stages won’t survive.”
Vacuum: Vacuum regularly and throw away the vacuum bag right outside. This helps remove eggs and larvae.
Determine: If in doubt about the species of flea, you can have it identified (sent and identified) by KAD. This will tell you which control works best. Many municipalities have a service agreement with the KAD, making this free for residents. Otherwise, it costs about 90 euros.
Chemical control: If the problem is really big, you can ask a professional for help. “Professional pest controllers can use more effective means, ask for advice from an expert.”
