Fleas
Key Features
Fleas (various species) are small insects, between 2mm and 3mm in length. They have well developed hind legs which enable
them to jump surprising distances to evade predators, and are dark red to brown in colour.
Flea mouth parts are specially designed to pierce the skin, and then to siphon out the blood of mammals and birds.
Biology
The females lay several hundred eggs, in groups of 4 - 8. Larva feed on organic matter and partially digested blood excreted by
the adult, and are mature in about 3 weeks.
Adults do not fly but walk or hop.
Distribution
Found worldwide. Different species of flea are adapted to a variety of hosts.
Significance
Irritation caused by bites. Cat flea not implicated in disease transmission in Britain. Dog flea is intermediate host of tape worm.
Rat Fleas are implicated in the spread of the Black Death.
Control
Treatment of animal host by veterinary products only. Disposal or cleaning of bedding. Insecticide treatment of floors and carpets
with residual products.
