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| *The life cycle can be faster or slower depending on temperature | | *The life cycle can be faster or slower depending on temperature |
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− | '''1. The adult''' | + | '''1. Adults''' |
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| *Uses changes in light intensity, warmth and carbon dioxide to locate host | | *Uses changes in light intensity, warmth and carbon dioxide to locate host |
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| ==Habitats== | | ==Habitats== |
| + | |
| + | *Only aproximately 5% of the flea population will be on the animal (and usually it is a much smaller percentage) |
| + | |
| + | *The rest of the population are in the environment |
| + | **E.g. Eggs, larvae, pupae and unfed adults |
| + | |
| + | *Fleas accumulate in certain '''hot spots''' where the animal spends the majority of its time |
| + | **E.g. Warm, shady, humid ares |
| + | **E.g. Outdoors in warmer climates or inside in temperate climates |
| + | |
| + | *Very large numbers of eggs are found in areas where cats land after jumping as they have been dislodged |
| + | **E.g. Beside sofas |
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| ==Control== | | ==Control== |
| + | |
| + | *Single or occasional treatments will only give temporary relief from fleas as the majority of the population is '''in the environment''' |
| + | |
| + | *Appropriate action muct be taken to stop re-infestation |
| + | |
| + | *The animal must be rid of its resident flea population |
| + | |
| + | *The animal should be protected against subsequent re-infestation |
| + | **From within the home |
| + | **From outside the home |
| + | |
| + | *The enironmental reservoir population should be eliminated |
| + | **Animal treatment to deplete reservoir |
| + | ***Alduticides |
| + | ***Adulticides with larvicidal effects |
| + | ***Insect growth regulators (IGR's) |
| + | **Direct chemical treatment of domestic environment |
| + | ***Insecticides |
| + | ***Insect growth regulators |
| + | ***Inorganic chemicals |
| + | ***Entomorphagous nematodes |
| + | |
| + | *To prevent resistance occuring, control methods should not rely solely on chemical methods |
| + | **Hygiene such as regular vaccuming and washing of the animal's bedding should also occur for the most effective treatment |
| + | |
| + | *For more information on the chemicals used for flea treatment click (here) |
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| ==Links== | | ==Links== |