The flea is a very small and blood-sucking insect that can carry diseases. It feeds on blood from mammals and birds, which is a prerequisite for the female to be able to lay eggs. The larvae in turn feed on organic material. The flea goes through four stages: egg, caterpillar, pupa and image. With their claws, the fleas grab hold of their host animal, as they can jump, they have the opportunity to change host. The body does not measure more than 1.5 to 9 millimeters and is flat in height so that they can easily get through in fur and feathers.
How to avoid them:
- Do not handle bird nests. Problems with bird fleas occur mainly in the spring when the heat comes and the fleas wake up from hibernation in bird nests. This is when they can move into homes via valves, for example. It is common for children who play near bird tables or birdhouses to be bitten on the legs during spring and early summer.
Suitable treatments: lice shampoo.