Adult fleas are small (1/16-1/8 inch long), wingless brownish black bloodsucking insects that are flat from side to side.  This flat shape allows them to slide in between the hairs of an animal’s coat.  Fleas are unable to fly but can jump as far as 6 inches. 

 

Adult fleas obtain a blood meal from their animal hosts.  This is their only source of nourishment. Adults defecate small pellets of blood usually referred to as flea dirt onto a hosts fur coat.  Both the flea eggs and these pellets will fall off the host and will accumulate in the area where the host rests.  The eggs and flea dirt account for the salt and pepper effect seen on animal bedding.  The flea larvae will feed on the fecal matter so larvae will be found only in the areas where a host animal spends a considerable amount of time. 

 

As with all types of pests an integrated pest management program is used by treating both the area and instructing the client to flea dip the animal at the same

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Fleas

 

Fleas transport themselves on rodents and other mammals, and usually remain on their hosts at all times. The most common species is the cat flea, which often feasts on cats, dogs and humans.

Fleas do not fly. Instead, they jump from one place to another. In fact, fleas can jump as high as 8” vertically, which is 150 times their own height. If we could do this, we would be able to leap over skyscrapers!

 

• Size: 1/12" to 1/6"

• Shape: Flat

• Color: Dark, reddish brown

• Legs: 6

• Wings: No

• Antenna: Yes

• Common Name: Flea

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Arthropoda

• Class: Insecta

• Order: Siphonaptera

• Family: Pulicidae

• Species: Ctenocephalides fellis

Diet:

Fleas are parasites that feed on blood.

Habitat:

Fleas can live on any warm-blooded animal, but seem to prefer to live on humans, cats, dogs, opossums, rats and other rodents. They can also be found on shoes, pant legs, or blankets.

Impact:

Fleas are best known for spreading the Bubonic Plague. They also transmit the bacterial disease murine typhus to humans through infected rats. Their saliva is an allergen that can cause allergic reactions in pets and humans. Fleas can also transfer tapeworms and cause anemia in pets. Flea bites cause painful, itchy red bumps.

Prevention:

• Clean and vacuum frequently.

• Keep your yard clean of garbage and pet droppings.

• Protect pets by keeping them on a leash when outside, give them lots of baths, give them monthly flea and tick treatments and take them to the vet at least once a year to make sure they haven’t been infested.

• If you think you have ticks in your home and property, call a pest management professional!