Fleas are blood-sucking insects with more than 2500 species known. They feed on humans as well as birds, cats, dogs, ferrets, mice, rats, rabbits and squirrels. Flea bites cause mainly itching papules and may under certain circumstances transmit diseases like Bartonellosis, Myxomatosis, Plague, Rickettsia, Trypanosoma, Tapeworm, Tungiasis and Typhus. A flea can lay 20 eggs daily up to 1000 eggs in its entire life. Although the bite itself is usually painless and unnoticed, however, it is better to get rid of this unwanted visitor before it inhabit and take over.
Benjamin Franklin said " An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". It is of paramount importance to act before you get the fleas around you or to act as soon as you discover the first one otherwise the control of the fleas will need professionals and might not be a short journey. Fleas are faithful insects and hence like to stick around for long period of time. Prevention starts from outside the house. Fleas can't stand heat and like humidity. Mow your lawn low, avoid over-watering, prevent rodent infestations and eliminate shady structures like debris and unneeded collectables. Prevent fleas from infesting your front or backyard by using an appropriate outdoor flea insecticide especially at the animal tracts.
To prevent fleas from infesting the house or if you find a flea in your house and don't think that the condition has reached critical level yet, try vacuuming the house, bathe your pets, and clean your and pet beddings frequently. Apply a flea trap in each house level and limit your pet's outdoor time. Protect yourself by EPA-registered insect repellent (notice that some of these might not be suitable for kids under the age of 3 years). If you have some experience with pests, you can try using an indoor flea spray (make sure you read the label before use and follow the instructions to avoid any harm). If you start to find fleas frequently or think that your house is already infested with fleas then get a licensed commercial pest control applicator to help with the treatment procedure.
Treatment of flea bite, if no skin breakdown or signs of infection, may include washing with water and soap, cooling with ice and applying small amount of calamine or pramoxine lotion. Lotions should be used externally only and not to the region of the eyes. Oral medications like antihistamines can be taken in severe itching cases under a licensed practice supervision. If any sign of infection or skin break down is there or if the bites are extensive then seek medical advice.