Fleas

Fleas

Flea is the common name for any of the small wingless insects of the order Siphonaptera. Fleas are external parasites, living off the blood of mammals and birds. Fleas are small (1/16 to 1/8-inch (1.5 to 3.3 mm) long), agile, usually dark colored (for example, the reddish-brown of the cat flea), wingless insects with tube-like mouth-parts adapted to feeding on the blood of their hosts. Their bodies are laterally compressed, permitting easy movement through the hairs or feathers on the host's body (or in the case of humans, under clothes). Source: Wikipedia.com

Identification

Fleas are small (1/16 inch), dark, reddish-brown, wingless, blood-sucking insects.
Their bodies are laterally compressed, permitting easy movement through the hairs or feathers on the host's body (or in the case of humans, under clothes).

Environment

Hot, wet, summer months favor egg laying.
Hot, dry periods give maximum adult production.
The greatest adult flea populations are produced in August to September.

Threats

Flea bites can hurt and itch, especially if the person or animal is allergic.
Fleas can carry diseases such as cat scratch disease, tapeworms, tungiasis, dermatitis and more.
Dog tapeworms can infest indoor cats, and rodent tapeworms can infest humans.
Not only that, they can transmit plague and marine typhus.

Treatment

You must treat both the animal and the home. Wash animal bedding weekly. Frequently vacuum all carpet and furniture.