Flea infestation in humans, cats and dogs

A flea infestation is relatively common, with the human flea appearing the least frequently, as it has now been almost eradicated in this country. While dog and cat fleas occur in our pets, the chicken flea is also of importance to humans in addition to these two. Fleas are small parasites that feed on blood. The saliva of these bloodsuckers causes severe itching in humans and animals and, depending on the severity of the infestation, severe skin reactions. In addition to thorough control, continuous flea prevention is particularly recommended.

Getting rid of fleas in humans

If the pet is no longer sufficient as a host animal due to a too high flea population, humans are no longer immune to flea bites either. If you want to get rid of the fleas as quickly as possible, pets, their sleeping and snuggling places and the entire apartment must be meticulously cleaned.

After you have showered yourself thoroughly, you treat the dog and cat with appropriate means. Next, clothes, bedding and other textiles must be washed at at least 60 degrees. You can put sensitive textiles in the freezer for about 24 hours, which kills the animals.

Since around 95% of fleas are not directly on the animal but in the surrounding area, it is important to vacuum carpets thoroughly. Cracks and joints in floors must not be forgotten, because the majority of the larvae, pupae or adult fleas are located right there. All floors that can handle it are best cleaned with a steam cleaner. This meticulous cleaning applies to every room in the apartment and for several days in a row. It is best to vacuum twice a day.

It is better to avoid poison sprays in the apartment

Poison sprays should be avoided in the home, especially those that contain pyrethroids, pyrethrum or chrysanthemum active ingredients. These active ingredients are neurotoxins that enter the body through the skin or lungs and can cause damage to health there. Insect powders also do not kill fleas and are dangerous to the health of both the pet and its owner. A better alternative for the apartment are so-called 'foggers'. These are misting sprays in self-draining aerosol cans. They are intended to kill eggs, larvae and the adult animals and have a duration of action of up to 6 months. These foggers are environmental sprays only and are not suitable for treating animals.

Getting rid of fleas on dogs and cats

With spot-on preparations

These so-called spot-on preparations, such as Frontline or Advantage, are a very good alternative to fighting fleas in dogs and cats. However, when choosing the right spot-on preparation and dosage, the body weight and size of the animal in question must be taken into account. These remedies should not be used on puppies under 8 weeks and kittens under 12 weeks. However, there is no age limit when using Frontline Spray.

The combination preparation Frontline Combo consists of Fibronil, an insecticide with a long-term effect and (S)-methoprene, an active ingredient against eggs, larvae and pupae of fleas and other harmful insects. It can be used preventively and to combat. This antiparasitic is approved for dogs and cats and can be applied using a pipette.

The easiest way is to apply the drops to the pet's neck, between the shoulder blades directly on the skin, from where the active ingredients spread over the body surface. The fleas are killed within 24 hours. The effect of these agents lasts up to 8 weeks in dogs and up to 4 weeks in cats. The animal concerned must not be bathed for 48 hours before and after the treatment. In addition, for a successful treatment, all dogs and cats living in the household must be treated at the same time.

With pills

• Corresponding tablets are administered orally once a month.
• They can be dosed exactly according to body weight.
• They can be given directly into the mouth of the animals or administered via the feed.
• This is usually difficult with cats.
• If necessary, contact a veterinarian to find out about alternatives.
• These tablets are usually a combination of flea and worm protection.
• Thus, they inhibit the development of eggs and larvae and fight worms.
• Simultaneous worm control is essential.
• Flea larvae eat eggs of a specific tapeworm, which they then transmit to the pet.

With flea collars

Flea collars are particularly suitable if the animal frequently comes into contact with other dogs. The duration of action of flea collars is several weeks or months, with the active ingredients being released continuously. With these collars, it is essential to ensure the correct fit and it must be adapted to the ever-increasing neck circumference of the animal. Especially for puppies, there are prescription collars available from the vet that kill not only fleas but also ticks. Flea collars are only suitable to a limited extent for cats because they are not used to wearing half collars. However, if you get used to them early on, they are a very good alternative to spot-on products, especially for free-roaming cats.

Identify flea infestations in dogs and cats

Fleas aren't just a problem for free-roaming cats or dogs that have contact with other dogs. The first sign of flea infestation in pets is frequent scratching and excessive grooming. In addition, it can quickly lead to anemia, especially in puppies. A possible infestation can be easily identified with a special flea comb. If you run it through the fur and small black grains appear, they could be flea droppings. If you pick it up with a damp cellulose handkerchief, you rub it between your fingers and it discolours The pulp is reddish brown, in all probability it is the blood pigment that fleas carry with their droppings retire So there is an infestation.

Editor's conclusion

Flea bites in humans are usually caused by cat or dog fleas that are brought into the home by the animals. These fleas seek out a warm and soft place during the day, and then at night they prey on people and animals, biting them to feed on their blood.

Identify flea infestations in humans

• Flea bites on humans usually first manifest themselves as extreme itching caused by the flea bites.
• A closer examination of the skin reveals round bite marks that are somewhat swollen and red.
• The bites are often in a line or at least close together.
• If possible, you should not scratch these areas, because this allows bacteria to penetrate, causing the bites to become infected.
• Cooling the affected areas with cold water or ice or a gel from the pharmacy relieves the itching.
• Further treatment is usually not required. Instead, the cause of the flea infestation should be eliminated.

Eliminate flea infestation in the home

In contrast to fur fleas, which always remain on their host animal, fleas that also bite people are mostly nest fleas. These flea species spend the day in a safe spot and only become active at night when a potential victim is nearby. If necessary, they can also survive for a long time without food. As a resting place and for laying eggs, they prefer...

• upholstered furniture and carpets
• Dog and cat baskets
• beds of people
• Children's stuffed animals
• other soft fabrics

There, if the conditions are good enough, a female lays up to 40 eggs a day, so that a huge population can quickly develop if countermeasures are not taken in good time.

Thorough cleaning of these areas will rid the home of fleas and their eggs. If possible, fabrics should be machine washed; carpets and upholstered furniture should be washed thoroughly Sucking or using a flea powder that is sprinkled on and then vacuumed off again after a certain exposure time. Furthermore, the introduction of further fleas by pets should be prevented. Flea collars for dogs and cats protect animals that are often outside, and thus also people, from a flea infestation. Alternatively, a vaccination can be obtained from the vet or a spot-on can be used, which is dripped onto the pet's neck. Dogs also have the option of removing fleas from their entire fur with a flea comb.

Learn more about home pests