Color: Dark reddish-brown
Legs: 6
Shape: Flat
Size: 1/12 to 1/6-inch long
Antennae: True
Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of any warm-blooded body. The most common species is the cat flea, which often feasts on cats, dogs, and humans.
Fleas transport themselves on rodents and other mammals. They infest both household pests and wild animals. Fleas use their powerful legs to jump as high as eight inches vertically and 16 inches horizontally.
Fleas are the most common transmitter of plague. While this is rare in the USA, they can also transmit other germs, such as 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.
Fleas usually remain on their warm-blooded hosts at all times. They can also be found on shoes, pant legs, or blankets, which can transfer the fleas to new environments. They are often found infesting opossums, raccoons, and skunks in urban settings.
Clean and vacuum frequently to help reduce flea populations and prevent egg laying. Keep your lawn groomed to avoid rodent habitation. Protect pets by keeping them on a leash when outside, bathing and grooming pets regularly, visiting a veterinarian annually, and using flea treatments according to directions. It is important to hire a pest professional to rid your home of rodents and fleas.
Fleas feed on blood from warm-blooded animals, including dogs, cats, wildlife, and sometimes humans. They bite their hosts to obtain a blood meal, which is essential for their survival and reproduction.
Fleas need a host to feed on and favorable environmental conditions, such as humidity and warmth, to complete their life cycle. They can survive for several days to two weeks without a host, though flea larvae and pupae can remain dormant for months in carpets and cracks, and emerge when they detect vibrations or warmth signaling a new host.
Fleas dislike strong natural scents such as cedarwood, eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, and citrus. They also tend to avoid diatomaceous earth and rosemary. While these natural repellents can help discourage flea activity, a professional pest control approach is recommended for effective, long-term flea management.