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==Habitats==

==Habitats==

Although adult fleas are obligate blood feeders only 5% of the flea population will be on an animal at any one time. The remaining population inhabits the surrounding environment, though they are never far from a potential host species. The population that is not on the host consists of eggs, larvae, pupae and unfed adults. In the environment the adult fleas as well as the other stages are found in 'hot spots' where a potential host animal spends most of its time. These areas are usually warm, shady and humid and therefore usually indoors in regions with a cooler climate. It is common to find large numbers of eggs in areas where cats land after jumping as this dislodges the eggs from the hair.

Although adult fleas are obligate blood feeders only 5% of the flea population will be on an animal at any one time. The remaining population inhabits the surrounding environment, though they are never far from a potential host species. The population that is not on the host consists of eggs, larvae, pupae and unfed adults. In the environment the adult fleas as well as the other stages are found in 'hot spots' where a potential host animal spends most of its time. These areas are usually warm, shady and humid and therefore usually indoors in regions with a cooler climate. It is common to find large numbers of eggs in areas where cats land after jumping as this dislodges the eggs from the hair.

[[Image:Flea Dirt.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Flea Dirt'' <p> DrZak 2006, Wikimedia Commons]]

[[Image:Flea Dirt.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Flea Dirt'' <p> DrZak 2006, Wikimedia Commons]]

[[Image:Flea Bites.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Flea bites on a human'' NZfooty 2007, Wikimedia Commons]]

[[Image:Flea Bites.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Flea bites on a human'' NZfooty 2007, Wikimedia Commons]]

Control of flea infestations does not involve only the affected animal as the majority of the population is fee living in the environment. A single treatment or occasional treatment of the animal will provide temporary relief but will not control the issue. In order to properly control the several stages must be followed in order to remove the initial infestation and prevent re-infestation.

Control of flea infestations does not involve only the affected animal as the majority of the population is fee living in the environment. A single treatment or occasional treatment of the animal will provide temporary relief but will not control the issue. In order to properly control fleas, several stages must be followed in order to remove the initial infestation and prevent re-infestation.

Flea control must look at eliminating all stages of the flea life cycle rather than just those on the host. Animals must be protected against reinfection from within the home and in the environment.  

Flea control must look at eliminating all stages of the flea life cycle rather than just those on the host. Animals must be protected against reinfection from within the home and in the environment.  

To prevent resistance occurring, control methods should not rely solely on chemical methods. Hygiene such as regular vacuuming and washing of the animal's bedding should also occur for the most effective treatment.

To prevent resistance occurring, control methods should not rely solely on chemical methods. Hygiene such as regular vacuuming and washing of the animal's bedding should also occur for the most effective treatment.

[[Category:Fleas|C]]

[[Category:Fleas|C]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_Parasites]]

[[Category:Expert_Review]]

 

[[Category:To_Do_-_Review]]