Siphonaptera

Fleas are parasitic insects. They are the most prevalent parasite found on fur-bearing animals such as cats and dogs. There are an estimated 2000 species in the world. Fleas can transmit disease such as typhus and plague.

Identification and Appearance – What do fleas look like?

Fleas are dark, reddish brown in color. They are small, wingless, flat insects with six legs and two antennae. Adult fleas are about 1/8 inch long. They have biting mouthparts. They are hard to spot because they move very fast.

Habitat and Habits of fleas

Fleas can live on any warm-blooded animal. The seem to prefer dogs, cats, opossums, rats, and other rodents. Fleas will feed off humans but won’t live on them. Fleas can be found in carpet, blankets, clothing, and shoes while not on a host. Fleas jump from one place to another. They can jump up to 8 inches which is 150 times their own height. Fleas need a relatively humid environment to flourish. Fleas are fast breeders. They can lay 40 to 50 eggs per day. The average flea lives 2 to 3 months but can live up to 6 months.

Diet – What do fleas eat?

Fleas are parasites that feed on blood. They commonly prefer to feed on hairy animals. Some of the most common animals are dogs, cats, mice, rats, squirrels, rabits, and other wildlife.

Flea Control- How to get rid of fleas?

Since immature stages of fleas are very obscure by nature and most of the time over-the-counter flea control products will not resolve a flea infestation, it is best to call a pest control professional. Once Rocky Mountain Bird and Pest is called, a technician will conduct a thorough inspection and locate areas where the immature stages of the flea population are residing. After completing the inspection, we will prepare a flea management plan.