Changes

A thorough understanding of the flea life-cycle is important in order to be able to advise owners of adequate treatments to control flea infections on their animals and within the home environment.

A thorough understanding of the flea life-cycle is important in order to be able to advise owners of adequate treatments to control flea infections on their animals and within the home environment.

*The time for the egg to develop into the adult flea takes '''3-4 weeks''' in summer

The time for the egg to develop into the adult flea takes around '''3-4 weeks''' in summer, however, the duration of the life cycle is largely dependent on the environmental temperature.

 

*Duration of the life cycle is dependent on environmental temperature

'''1. Adults'''

'''1. Adults'''

Once the adults are on host, the flea will usually remain for its duration.  There will be a degree of transfer between hosts, with animals in close contact.

 

*Once on host, the flea will usually remain

**With animals in close contact there may be a small degree of transfer between hosts

 

*The adult flea takes frequent blood meals. 97% of fleas will feed within 1 hour of finding a host and feed for about 10-25 minutes. 

*'''Flea dirt''' (faeces) are produced in large quantities

The adult flea takes frequent blood meals. Around 97% of fleas will feed within 1 hour of finding a host and feed for approximately 10-25 minutes.  '''Flea dirt''' (faeces) is produced in large quantities. 

*The life span of the flea is determined by the grooming activity of the host

The life span of the flea is determined by the grooming activity of the host.  Usually the adult flea lives for '''7 to 10 days'''

**Usually the adult flea lives for between '''7 and 10 days'''

'''2. Eggs'''

'''2. Eggs'''