Suffering with fleas in your home? Want to know what to do to get rid of them? Read on...

There are over 300 types of flea in existence but the three most common species are:

• The cat flea
• The dog flea
• The human flea

The most common types are the dog and cat fleas. Fleas are wingless insects and brownish in colour. They have well developed legs for jumping and can reach distances of up to 45cm (18 inches). Eggs are laid in batches of up to 20 or so and live in dark places like cracks, crevices and larvae. Adult fleas are parasites of humans and can only survive by biting their hosts and sucking their blood. This can occur many times during the day. First bites are not usually liable to cause serious reactions but they may lead to hyper-sensitivity which make further bites troublesome.

The adult flea emerges from its cocoon in approximately seven days, usually by a suitable host passing near, and this could take several months. It does not take long before your home could be infested, but steps can be taken to avoid this.

How can fleas be controlled - By taking simple measures you may be able to control a minor flea
infestation yourself.

• Thoroughly clean all infested clothing and bedding - these can be treated with insecticide. (Please consult your vet for information.)
• Check your pets for fleas and treat, if necessary with flea insecticide and a flea collar

If you have an infestation of fleas, you can contact Cornwall Council who will arrange for your home to
be treated. They offer a reduced rate for residents on Housing Benefit and can be contacted on 0300 1234 100

Further advice can be obtained as follows:

Free Advice - Pest Control Terminate
Environmental - 0800 833150

Please contact your local vet or alternatively here are a list of registered vets:

Amos & Penny, Penryn 01326 378080
Clifton Villa, Camborne 01209 711933
Head & Head, Helston 01326 572216
Lamorna House, Camborne 01209 712009
Usher Edwards, Redruth 01209 214737