There are 2,500 species of fleas in the world. Most of them are found on mammals and few on birds. These external parasites of mammals and birds require blood meals from their hosts. Fleas can cause discomfort by biting, but some fleas can transmit disease organisms and infections.

It is only the cat flea that is the serious pest of pets, livestock and humans.The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, is one of the most encountered flea species in Australia.

Fleas can be found on the body of their hosts, hiding in animal fur or bird feathers. They can even live off the hosts in protected microhabitats, such as bird nests and animal dens. Resting places and travel routes of feral animals can be source for fleas that show up in homes.

Fleas are known to have been involved in devastating epidemics of plagues throughout the world. Like cockroaches and rodents, cat fleas can transmit parasites and infections to cats, dogs and humans including Bartonella (bacteria) and murine typhus (a form of typhus). Cat fleas also host the dog tapeworm Dipylidiumcaninum. This tapeworm can be transmitted when a cat flea is swallowed by humans or pets.

A few cat fleas on cats and dogs can cause little harm unless the host gets allergic to substances in saliva. Their bites can be annoying because the chemicals in flea saliva stimulate itching. The allergic reaction is called flea allergy dermatitis. Cat fleas can cause their hosts to scratch excessively or develop skin disease.

Dehydration may result when small animals with large infestations lose enough bodily fluids to cat fleas feeding on them. Because they feed on blood, they can cause weakness, anemia and death to their hosts.

Exterminating fleas takes an all-out effort. More needs to take place to prevent re-infestation.

•Clean through the areas where your pets hang out inside and outside of your home. Destroy habitats of cat fleas.•Keep fleas out of your home by screening or blocking entry points of flea-carrying animals. •Bring your affected pets to the veterinarian.•Vacuum everything from carpets, floor, rugs, upholstered furniture, mattresses and cushions. Dispose used vacuum bags immediately.

Exterminating fleas takes an all-out effort. More needs to take place to prevent re-infestation.

•Comb your pet thoroughly. You can also shampoo the animal to remove the dried blood and skin flakes. •Clean wood and tile floors. Sweep porches, steps and decks. •Wash thoroughly or discard bedding materials. • Use flea collars or apply flea powder on your affected pet. •Flea-bomb the cat flea-infested area or spray them.•Use pet-friendly insecticide or pesticide.

When cat flea infestation gets out of control, it’s time to get help from a professional pest control expert. A pest control professional can treat your house and environment to get rid of fleas. He has the tools and equipment to exterminate fleas to keep you and your pets safe from the blood suckers.