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Fleas

Fleas are among the most important group of insects in the world because of their irritating bites and their ability to transmit disease (plague). There are many different species of fleas in the United States. The Cat flea and the Dog flea are the most common fleas in residential areas. As their name implies their preferred hosts are either a cat or dog. Often flea infestations can go unnoticed if the preferred host, cat or dog, is present. When the cat or dog is removed from the home the fleas will attack any other warm blooded animal, including humans. Adult fleas are small, wingless and black to brownish-black in color. Their bodies are very thin and covered with backward directing spines. Fleas are capable of jumping 8 inches up and 13 inches horizontally. Both the male and female fleas will bite and suck blood. Adult fleas live one year or longer. The female flea is capable of laying up to 2000 eggs in her lifetime. Flea eggs are laid directly on the host animal. They are dry eggs and tend to fall off the animal. For this reason flea infestations can be scattered throughout a home. If left undisturbed a flea may remain dormant in the pupal stage for one year. One factor that can cause the flea to emerge from the pupal stage is the vibration of the floor caused by people or animals. The flea can hatch in one second and begin feeding in three seconds.