Cat Flea
Ctenocephalides, felis
Don't let the name deceive you; any household pet can be the host for a cat flea. A few fleas on the host cause little harm, but if the host becomes allergic they can develop flea allergy dermatitis. Urban wildlife, commonly seen in most suburban communities, often transfer this flea to pet cats and dogs. Cat fleas may be the intermediate hosts of the dog tapeworm in both cats and dogs.
RISK LEVEL:
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Risk is defined as how much damage each pest can be to you, your family, or your home
- Can find these around animal fecal matter.
- Can be found among small cracks in walls or floors inside your home.
- Often found in humid climates.
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| Class: | Order: | Family: | |
| Insecta | Siphonaptera | Pulicidae | |
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| Size: | Cat flea adults are about 1/8 in (2.5 mm) long. |
| Color: | Brownish black to black, but reddish black when full of blood. |
| Characteristics: | Body is flattened from side to side, and has no wings. |
| Geographic Range: | Cat fleas are found throughout the United States and the world. |
| Food: | Cat fleas have chewing mouthparts and feed on organic debris, as well as dried adult flea fecal blood. |
| Biology: | After each blood meal a female cat flea lays 4-8 eggs among a host animal's hairs or in its bedding area, amounting to 400-500 during her life. Eggs are tiny white ovals, about 1/64 in (.5 mm) long, which take 1-12 days to hatch. They may fall or be shaken off into crevices where the animal sleeps or spends time. Larvae need high relative humidity (45-95%), going through 3 instar stages in 1-2 weeks to several months. Cocoons (pupae) with camouflaging debris on the surface last 4-14 days, up to a year. The pre-emerged adult stays in the cocoon for up to 20 weeks, protected from dangers such as pesticides. Adult fleas look for a blood meal soon after emerging, but can survive for several months on stored fat. Once on a host, they feed, mate, and lay eggs. Many adults live only a few days, as cat grooming removes up to half of them, but survivors can live about one year. |
Prevention Tips For
Blood Feeders
Blood Feeders
- Keep lawn cut at a low level (below ankle)
- Keep all pets on flea/tick preventative
- Check clothing and exposed body parts for ticks after hiking or spending time in tall grass.
- Reduce clutter in yard to prevent mice
- Reduce areas favorable to deer
It only takes a few minutes to start protecting your home today.
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