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flea

FLEAS

 

Fleas are small, wingless insects belonging to the order Siphonaptera. They are ectoparasites, meaning they live externally on the bodies of mammals and birds, feeding on their blood. Here's a description of their appearance and habits:

Appearance:

  1. Size: Adult fleas are typically very small, ranging from about 1 to 4 millimeters (0.04 to 0.16 inches) in length.

  2. Body Shape: Fleas have a flattened body from side to side, which allows them to move easily through the fur or feathers of their hosts. This shape also aids in their ability to navigate through the host's hair and avoid being dislodged.

  3. Color: Fleas are usually reddish-brown to black in color, although their appearance may vary slightly depending on the species and whether they have recently fed on blood.

  4. Legs: Fleas have long and powerful hind legs adapted for jumping. Their hind legs are much larger and stronger than their other legs, allowing them to leap impressive distances relative to their size.

Habits:

  1. Feeding: Fleas are obligate blood feeders, meaning they require blood meals to survive and reproduce. They use their specialized mouthparts to pierce the skin of their host and feed on blood. Flea bites can cause itching, irritation, and allergic reactions in humans and animals.

  2. Host Specificity: Different species of fleas may have preferences for specific hosts, but many flea species are opportunistic and will feed on a wide range of mammals and birds.

  3. Reproduction: Fleas reproduce rapidly, with females laying numerous eggs after feeding on blood. Flea eggs are typically laid on the host but can also fall off into the environment, such as bedding, carpets, or cracks in floors. After hatching, flea larvae feed on organic debris in the environment before eventually pupating and emerging as adult fleas.

  4. Hiding and Resting: Fleas spend much of their time on their host animal, hidden within the fur or feathers, where they feed and reproduce. However, they may also rest in the environment, especially in areas frequented by their host, such as pet bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture.

  5. Jumping: Fleas are exceptional jumpers, capable of leaping distances many times their body length. This ability allows them to quickly move between hosts and escape potential threats.

  6. Disease Transmission: Fleas are vectors for various diseases and parasites, including the bacterium responsible for the bubonic plague (Yersinia pestis), as well as tapeworms and other parasites.

Overall, fleas are resilient and adaptable parasites that can be challenging to control once they infest an environment. Effective flea control typically involves a combination of treating infested pets, thorough cleaning of the indoor environment, and, in severe cases, the use of insecticides targeted at flea eggs, larvae, and adults.

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