Common Name: Flea
Scientific Name: Siphonaptera: spp
Status: A nuisance pest of humans and pets
Damaging Stage: Adult

Biology: Fleas are small (1/16 inch long), agile, dark-colored, wingless insects with tube-like mouthparts that are adapted to feeding on the blood of hosts. Their bodies are laterally compressed and they have long legs that are well-adapted for jumping. Flea larvae resemble white worms with a distinct, brown head with no eyes or legs. Even at maximum length, flea larvae are very small, approximately 3/16 inches long.

After a blood meal, females lay their eggs in the hair coat of a host. The eggs fall from the hair and hatch in a few days. The larvae take a few weeks to develop and hide in floor cracks, under rug edges and in furniture. The pupae mature to adulthood in a silken cocoon in about two weeks but the adults do not become active until after their first blood meal. There are two generations per year.

Injury: Adults are nuisance pests to both humans and their pets. Flea saliva is irritating to the skin and small, red welts can form where bites have occurred. Fleas can also cause some minor medical issues including: minor allergic reactions, tapeworms and anemia.

Flea larvae, unlike adults, do not move around much and do not feed on blood. They tend to avoid light by hiding in cracks and crevices. The larvae primarily feed on dead animal or vegetable material in or near their habitat. If adult fleas are found, both the pet and the premises must be treated immediately.

Management: Although fleas can bite humans, they prefer to live on domesticated animals. Pets should be properly treated as soon as fleas are present. Veterinarians can provide advice or service in this area. Infested areas (where the larvae reside) should be properly cleaned chemically treated concurrently.