Fleas

Fleas 

Cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis)
Dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis)
Human flea (Pulex irritans)

The most common species is the cat flea, which often feasts on cats, dogs and humans.

Habitat

Fleas infest both household pets and wild animals like opossums, raccoons and skunks. They can also be found on shoes, pant legs or blankets, which can transfer the fleas to new environments.

Food

Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of any warm-blooded body.

Biology

Fleas are nest parasites, moving between the host animal and the host’s nest. Eggs are laid and larvae develop in the nest. Adults can survive long periods without a blood meal. Larvae do not feed on blood. Fleas may transmit disease and internal parasites (tapeworms). Fleas can live for about 100 days during which time the females produce 400-500 offspring. Fleas transport themselves on rodents and other mammals, and usually remain on their hosts at all times. These pests use their powerful legs to jump as high as 8″ vertically, which is 150 times their own height. If humans could do this, we would be able to leap over skyscrapers.

Threat

Fleas are the most common transmitter of the rare bubonic plague. They also transmit the bacterial disease murine typhus to humans through infected rats. Their saliva can cause serious flea allergy dermatitis in pets and their debris has been reported to cause similar allergic reactions in humans. Fleas can also transfer tapeworms and cause anemia in pets. Flea bites commonly cause painful, itchy red bumps.

Prevention

Homeowners should clean and vacuum frequently to help remove flea populations and prevent the laying of eggs. Pet owners should practice active flea management by keeping dogs on a leash when outside, bathing and grooming pets regularly, visiting a veterinarian annually, and using flea treatments according to direction. Active flea management is an important component of pet care.