Stickfast Fleas: Control & Eradication

The stickfast flea is one of the most troublesome parasites found in domestic pets. They are found on dogs, cats, chickens, horses, rats, goats, rabbits, kangaroos, cattle, and even you. It is a serious pest, as large numbers may cause progressive blood loss, loss of condition and sometimes even death in small young animals. 

Stickfast fleas are easy to recognise, being reddish-brown and smaller than other fleas. They “stickfast” to the skin around the ears and eyes and don’t move around like other fleas. Although they are seen more so in the warmer months they can be found all year round. 

Life cycle: generally the average life cycle of the stick-fast flea is about 4-5 weeks. The attached female stick-fast flea lives for about six weeks on the host laying approximately 12 eggs per night…that’s 504 EGGS in 6 weeks!! These eggs fall to the ground, hatch into flea larva, which eat the flea dirt- (flea faeces consisting of blood). Two to four weeks later the larva burrow 15cm into the ground and form a cocoon, which can survive up to 100days before hatching. A stick-fast flea then emerges 2-3 weeks later, and so the cycle begins again. 

Cats and dogs: Regular application of Frontline Spray. 

Birds: Keydust applied lightly over the birds and rubbed into feathers. Also lightly dust housing and sleeping places. Repeat every 1-2 weeks to control parasites and prevent re-infestation.