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Billions of super-fleas with huge penises are set to invade British bedrooms this autumn.

Far bigger than 'normal' fleas, a new breed has emerged which has a penis two and a half times the length of its body - the largest genitalia relative to size of any bug on the planet.

Now, with autumn approaching and the nights drawing in, they are about to hop indoors to relax in our centrally-heated homes.

Conditions for flea breeding have been ideal with a warm summer and the right amount of rain and damp.

The new flea breed is believed to have emerged come from Europe over th past three years.

(Image: WESSEX NEWS)

Rob Simpson, of pest control group Basis Prompt, warned that the super-fleas will have emerged from hibernation much earlier than usual this year.

"Fleas which would usually remain dormant for much longer, became active sooner, leading to more prolific breeding and therefore a larger population," he said.

Warm, damp summers and mild winters, along with better central heating and house insulation, have made life cosy for fleas, bed bugs and head lice all year round, and their numbers have jumped.

Pharmacists at Chemist Direct have reported an increase in sales of flea bite cream.

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

In the past, owners would be told by vets how much to apply, but now many families buy treatments online and don't read the instructions.

Many owners don't realise pets should be weighed to determine the correct dose - a process many skip.

And carpets and furniture where pets rest have to be regularly re-treated to prevent the bed bugs, lice and fleas returning.

(Image: WESSEX NEWS)

This is because the life cycle of some fleas can be up to 12 months, even in empty flats and houses, warns the British Pest Control Association.

"They have an ability to go into a sort of suspended animation" said a spokesman.

"Even if you go into a flat which has been unoccupied for a year, their cocoons can be set off again by the carbon dioxide in people's breath."

Recently Dr Tim Nuttall, veterinary dermatologist at the University of Liverpool, said the UK flea population has been rising for years but it has leapt dramatically since 2013.

He said that's down almost entirely to the 'cat flea' which, despite its name, will live off dogs, ferrets and humans too.

Doctors say flea bites usually appear as red spots with reddened haloes, are very itchy, and are commonly found on the feet and legs.

Bites should be washed with soap and water and then an antiseptic cream should be applied.

If the bite is painful or swollen, take a painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen and use an antihistamine cream.