FLEAS
Fleas have lived alongside man for well over 300 million years. They have survived all-natural disasters that the world has incurred over that time; they are a hardy insect, and a survivor. They can carry bacteria pathogens and disease. Fleas are a nuisance biting insect, generally leaving a cluster of reddish welts around the ankle and below the knee.
The flea species present in New Zealand are mostly a public health nuisance but have the potential to be a public health risk due to their ability to transmit infectious diseases.
Fleas range from about 1–5 mm in size (usually around 3 mm). Their bodies are flat, shiny and have a tough surface. These features mean the flea can move through the hair of their hosts without being dislodged.

One flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, which will lay dormant in your carpets and floorboards until the correct climate for hatching is reached. Flea eggs hatch into the second stage of the lifecycle, larvae, before entering the pupae stage. They can remain dormant for some time (up to one year) before being alerted to a potential blood host by vibration, temperature, or humidity.
Following this, they finally emerge as young adult fleas. And so, the life cycle continues, until it is broken with professional treatment.

Where fleas live
Fleas are quite common in New Zealand, particularly in association with cats and dogs.
Several species are found on a range of warm-blooded hosts, including humans (e.g., the cat flea, the dog flea, the bird flea, and the northern rat flea).
Adult fleas are found on the hosts themselves, whereas the larvae and pupae live in places like the burrows or nests of hosts.
When fleas have not fed for some time, they are likely to be less specific about their choice of host and this may involve having a human blood meal. While the human flea is rare in New Zealand, cat and bird fleas are quite common.
Health risks from fleas
Fleas can transmit infectious diseases from one host to another and are historically known as carriers of the plague. However, today fleas are better known as pests and for the irritation they cause.
Fleas can play host to tapeworms, which can also cause infection in humans. You can get tapeworms if you accidentally swallow an infected flea. This can be treated with antibiotics.
If you get flea bites
Treatments for flea bites will include antibiotic’s, antihistamines, and creams, if a rash develops or you experience discomfort then you should see your doctor.
If the bite is causing discomfort to your pet, you can visit a vet for treatment. The healing period might take a few days.
How you can reduce the chance of fleas
- If you have pets, ensure they are regularly treated with a quality flea control product.
- Regularly vacuum carpets and rugs.
- Regularly hot wash and hot tumble dry (at least 55 C) pet bedding.
INFANTS – due to the sensitivity of infant’s skin we recommend offsite for a minimum of 12 hours up to 24 hours. If an overnight isn’t an option, book early morning treatment – can return after 5 pm. Keep infants off the carpet for 24 hours! Do not change the baby on the floor – use a changing table. There is no respiratory issue, but direct skin contact before the product is totally dry can result in bad skin irritation.
How we treat fleas
All flea species require similar treatment, which is a residual pesticide surface treatment, along with an insect growth regulator (IGR).
The technician will apply the product where flea activity is prevalent e.g., on carpet, mats, and wooden flooring. In some cases, treatment may also be required underneath the house; this is subject to accessibility.
The treatment works on residual contact, which means the flea must come into contact with the pesticide and absorb the product.
The product then kills the flea by affecting the nervous system. The pesticide cannot penetrate flea eggs, or pupae, so re-infestation may occur, and is completely normal, between 5 – 21 days after the initial treatment, however the residual product will still be active, and the re-infestation will stop after a few days. The IGR stops nymphs from breeding and laying more eggs.
If wooden floors are washed after treatment all product will be gone – leave for 10 days to allow product to work. Do not vacuum for a minimum of 7 days after treatment.
INFANTS – due to the sensitivity of infant’s skin we recommend offsite for a minimum of 12 hours up to 24 hours. If an overnight isn’t an option, book early morning treatment – can return after 5 pm. Keep infants off the carpet for 24 hours! Do not change the baby on the floor – use a changing table. There is no respiratory issue, but direct skin contact before the product is totally dry can result in bad skin irritation.
