Dubliners have been warned to beware of blood sucking pests as we get into the warmer spring and summer months.
Dublin has accounted for one of the top counties for flea callouts from September 2022 until February 2023. Waterford accounted for the most callouts at 13%, followed by Kerry (10%), Dublin (10%), and Cork (4%).
Fleas become more active and multiply in the warmer months. Adult fleas feed solely on blood and their bites can cause itching and discomfort, particularly for animals.
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Fleas are typically carried into homes by pet cats and dogs and can be transferred to humans when the insects jump from pets to carpets or furniture. Flea bites on humans usually occur on lower areas such as legs and feet, and infants are particularly vulnerable due to the time they spend playing on carpets and rugs.
Children tend to be more sensitive to flea bites. Additionally, pets typically suffer from flea bites more acutely and can also develop allergies to flea saliva.
Once on a host, a female flea is capable of producing more than 25 eggs a day, which will fall off the host animal along with flea faeces. Depending on temperature these eggs can develop into an adult flea in a little as 14 days, allowing an infestation to spread quickly.
Area Technical Manager for Rentokil Colm Moore said: "Fleas will start to become more common over the coming months as their activity increases in warmer temperatures. It is important that members of the public are aware of this and take steps to guard against infestation becoming estblished.
Steps people can take to help prevent the presence of fleas in their home include:
- Vacuum your floors and soft furnishings regularly and thoroughly and empty your vacuum cleaner carefully either directly into an outside bin or into a securely sealed bag.
- Eliminate clutter on your premises.
- Wild animals such as foxes, rabbits, rodents and deer often carry fleas - so when your pets are outside, they can easily pick up these fleas and bring them back therefore, groom your pets regularly with a flea comb and wash pet bedding weekly, ideally at above 50°C.
- If your pet is scratching or biting its fur, you should talk to your vet. They can recommend the best flea sprays or powders to use to treat your pet.
- When moving into a new home inspect carpets and flooring carefully for signs of eggs or ‘flea dirt’. If the previous owners had pets the flea larvae might be waiting for you."
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