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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
'''1. The adult'''
'''1. Adults'''
*Uses changes in light intensity, warmth and carbon dioxide to locate host
*Uses changes in light intensity, warmth and carbon dioxide to locate host
==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
==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)
==Links==
==Links==