Damp days help bugs get snug..

HOMEOWNERS are being warned that flea infestations and the current weather pattern are a perfect match.

- BY DANNY DE VAAL and LARISSA NOLAN

Dr Colm Moore, regional technical director for Rentokil, revealed high temperatures after rain create an ideal environment for the parasites to thrive.

Speaking to the Irish Daily Star, he explained: “The conditions favour a spike ... we have these lovely humid conditions [at present]. They're terrific for fleas.”

The expert said there are different types of fleas which primarily feed on one particular host - such as a bird, a dog, a cat, or a human.

He explained: “They're exo-parasites. They live on the outside of bodies, but they feed on the bodies themselves. They're blood feeders.

“Once on a host, a female flea can produce more than 25 eggs a day, which will fall off the host animal along with flea faeces.

“Depending on temperature, these eggs can develop into an adult flea in as little as 14 days, allowing an infestation to spread quickly.