Order: Siphonaptera

Family: Pulicide

Cat and Dog Fleas are two distinct and different species of fleas. Although there is a difference between the two species, their description, biology, and habits are very similar-as are the control methods for eliminating this troublesome pest. Fleas not only cause discomfort due to their biting, but they are known to transmit several diseases. Historically speaking, fleas were the vectors of the plague which killed over 20 million people in Europe during the 1300's.

Description: Adult fleas are approximately 1/8 inch long and are laterally flattened (side to side). The Cat Flea's head is twice as long as it is high, while the Dog Flea's head is half as long as it is high. Fleas are also wingless, but have powerful legs which help them jump distances up to 6 inches high. They have piercing-sucking mouthparts which deliver a bite that can cause swelling and itching.

Biology: A female flea lays between 4-8 eggs after each blood meal, laying approximately 500 eggs during her lifetime. Developmental time from egg to adult can be as little as 12 days or as long as one year. Subsequently, each of those female fleas continues to lay the same number of eggs, increasing the population quite rapidly.

Habits: Fleas prefer areas where animals are found-around pet bedding etc. However, pets are not necessary to the survival of the flea population. They can enter a home on the pant legs or shoes of a human, and get their blood meal from the human. Fleas are also found on other hosts such as rabbits and rodents.