Fleas 

Fleas are highly specialised bloodsucking parasites belonging to the order of insects called Siphonaptera, which means "wingless siphon.. Fleas will bite only accessible parts of the body and clustered bites on the lower limbs. 

Most females will lay at least 100 eggs within a life cycle of several months The adult fleas emerge from the pupal case in 1-2 weeks but can remain dormant in their cocoons for several months depending on the availability of food and conditions. Often the emergence of adults from the pupal stage is triggered by vibrations, which occasionally happens on entering an unoccupied home of previous pet owners.

Treating Flea Bites

When fleas are present homeowners generally notice them first by the bites they leave behind. Typically, bites are concentrated around the ankle and look very similar to mosquito bites. Fleas can be selective and will often feed on only one or a few people living in a house. Many times the people most affected are small children and infants.

Treatment and Control of Fleas

If you have pets, it is essential to prevent fleas becoming established in carpets and bedding:

• Vacuum carpets and furnishings where pets sleep to remove fleas and eggs. Use the strongest suction that will not damage the fabric. Empty the vacuum cleaner bag directly into a sealable plastic bag and immediately discard it outside your home.
• Wash pet bedding regularly in hot water to kill flea eggs, larvae, and adults within cocoons
• Take care when transferring bedding, rugs, etc, to avoid spreading flea eggs
•  Consider placing pet beds in areas without carpets such as on wooden floors

The prolonged periods of warm, humid weather in the summer months provide ideal conditions for fleas to flourish. Typically, concentrations of the immature stages of fleas (eggs and larvae) will be found in areas where pets feed and rest, and control measures should be targeted at any such areas, in addition to their housing, basket, blankets and the pets themselves. Prior to a pest technician arriving you should vacuum all floors and washing of pets and bedding with an insecticidal preparation will aid in control.