The identified spices of flea are over 2,000, the most common one found in Hong Kong is called cat flea: they are wingless with extremely strong back legs, which can reach up to 25 cm tall. Therefore, the bite marks are commonly found on our legs, especially lower legs and ankles. Cat fleas are active at around 24 to 32 degree Celsius with hydration level lower than 75%. It takes around 2 weeks time for eggs to grow into the adult form. Cat fleas are tiny, yet equipped with hard shells and genial comb for blood sucking. They rely on a host to survival and reproduce.
The substance in cat flea’s saliva could cause skin rash, the infected part will turn darker in a week after being bitten, generally it takes up to half a year to recover to normal skin color. Fleas also carry and spread diseases by rats, cats and dogs.
To control and prevent cat fleas:
Keep the indoor environment clean; regular cleaning of carpets can help to prevent fleas.
Deworming on pets can terminate eggs of cat fleas.
Use dehumidifier to mainly low hydration level.
Carpets and mattresses are the active location of fleas; if necessary, steam cleaning could help to kill adults and larva that stuck inside the fiber.
