Chiggers and fleas and ticks, oh my! – Part II

Although fleas are present year round in our area, we associate them more with summer because we and our pets spend more time outdoors. Pets that hunt are especially susceptible to contracting fleas.

Fleas are flightless insects that are external parasites of mammals and birds. Science tells us that these insects have been around for 60 to 70 million years, which tells me that they are well adapted for survival. 

Their bodies are flattened sideways to enable them to move through their host’s fur or feathers. Their front legs are equipped with strong claws that prevent them from being dislodged by scratching. They have mouth parts that are adapted to piercing and sucking blood. 

Their hind legs enable them to leap a distance of approximately 50 times their body length and 7 inches vertically. Even at that they come in second in the jumping department to the froghopper, the adult form of the spittlebug. Froghoppers can leap vertically almost 28 inches. 

Over 2,500 species of fleas have been described worldwide. Each species is more or less specific to its host animal. Although some are not selective as to their feeding host, they will only breed after a blood meal from their specific host. 

Interestingly fleas do not have complex eyes like other insects. Instead, they have simple eyespots, and some species and stages of development even lack eyes altogether. 

Flea bites cause raised, swollen, itching spots with a single puncture point in the center, much like a mosquito bite. In addition to the nuisance factor, flea bites can cause allergic dermatitis and scratching can result in an open wound that may become infected. 

In addition, fleas are carriers for diseases such as endemic typhus and bubonic plague. Fleas can transmit viral diseases and internal parasites such as tapeworms. 

The plague which killed over one-third of the population of Europe in the 14th century resulted from fleas feeding on rats which carried the bacteria, then transmitting it to humans. Fleas were actually used in World War II by the Japanese army as a biological weapon. They dropped fleas infested with plague in China. 

Prevention is the best treatment for fleas. Most fleas in the home are brought in by pets. The best way to prevent them is to prevent fleas from getting on your pets in the first place. 

Using a flea comb and an over the counter flea treatment are useful. A treatment provided by a veterinarian may be necessary. Keep your pets away from animals known or suspected of having fleas. 

Keeping lawn grass short will also help prevent flea infestations. Washing a pet’s bedding in hot water regularly will help remove flea eggs before they can hatch. Frequent vacuuming of carpets, furniture or other areas on which pets lie is recommended. 

A persistent infestation may require a professional pest control service. It is reported that in the United States alone, $4 billion is spent annually for prescription flea treatments and $348 million for flea pest control. 

Flea bites on humans can be treated with prescribed or over-the-counter topical antihistamine or anti-inflammatory preparations. 

Home remedies are also available to soothe the itching. Ice packs (or a package of frozen vegetables) wrapped in a towel applied to the skin relieves the swelling and numbs the area somewhat. Aloe vera, witch hazel, rubbing alcohol, diluted white vinegar (1 part vinegar and 1 part water) and tea tree oil can all help with the itching and swelling. A used tea bag that has been cooled in the freezer and applied to the bite can relieve inflammation. 

It is important to remember that scratching which causes an open wound will provide access for bacteria and can lead to infection. Since flea bites can transmit serious diseases, any bite that seems unusual or becomes infected or any unusual symptoms that appear after a flea bite should be treated by a heath care professional.

Like for chiggers and ticks, awareness and prevention are the best treatments for fleas. Part III – Ticks, is coming next week.