Plague of vampire-like fleas sweeping Britain as mild autumn boosts breeding

BRITS are being warned to prepare for an early Halloween horror as the worst plague of fleas in years sweeps the nation.

Hot summer days, enough rain, and mild autumn weather has created the perfect breeding conditions for the vampire-like pests, experts say.

Chris Socratous, pet care expert at Bob Martin, has said they are itching to get under our skin.

He said: "We've seen some really unusual weather patterns across the UK in recent months.

"When you combine this with thousands of potentially first-time or inexperienced owners who welcomed a pet into their home during the various lockdowns, we could be facing one of the worst flea and tick seasons for years."

Experts have also warned that some invaders will be 'super fleas', breeding like rabbits.

These vampire beasties are also immune to poisons, as boffins say the 'uber-fleas' can defy shop-bought powders.

Chris said the best way to deal with them is to stop them getting into our houses in the first place.

Chris said: "It's really important that all pet owners keep on top of prevention and treatments, and ensure they're aware of the risks associated with flea, tick and worm infestations.

"It can be a nuisance at best, or at worst, life-threatening for you and your pet.

"On rare occasions, tick bites can cause Lyme Disease in humans, a potentially life-threatening infection, and, as well as being itchy and painful, flea bites can also transmit other harmful diseases."

Pharmacists at Chemist Direct have reported a jump in sales of Anthisan flea bite cream.

But experts blame pet owners for not applying anti-louse treatments properly.

A spokesman for pest controllers Basis Prompt warned one reason for the population surge is people leaving central heating on longer and longer each year.

"If you do have fleas in your home, you may even see them jumping on your carpet or furniture" they added.


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