Color: Dark reddish brown.
Size: 1/16 to1/8-inch (1.5-3 mm) long.
Prefer dog or cats as host, although they may be found on a wide variety of other animals, including rodents and livestock. Cat flea prefer locations where dust and organic debris accumulate and they are commonly found in houses, under buildings, and if temperature and humidity conditions permit, in yard. They are often found infesting opossums, raccoons, and skunks in urban settings.
Flea pupae are unaffected by the treatment until the adult fleas emerge from their pupal cocoon. In any flea population, all stages of the flea will be present including numerous pupae. It will take several weeks for all adult fleas to emerge from these pupae and contact the treatment.
Adult suck blood; larvae feed on dried blood/adult flea feces.
- Fleas are the most common transmitter of the rare Bubonic Plague. They also transmit the bacterial disease murine typhus to humans through infected rats. Their saliva can cause serious Flea Allergy Dermatitus in pets, and their debris has been reported to cause similar allergic reactions in humans.
- Cat flea is intermediate hosts of the internal parasite (endoparasite) dog tapeworm, which is common in both cats and dogs. When playing near infested pets, children can become infected with this tapeworm by accidental ingestion of fleas that carry this endo- parasite. Can cause anemia in pets.
- The typical skin reaction to flea bites on humans is formation of a small, hard, red, slightly raised, itching spot. Bleeding may occur. The single puncture point caused by the flea's mouthparts is generally apparent in the center of each spot. Thus, close inspection reveals a small reddish bump with a more pale, flesh-colored center.
- Ants and spider leave two marks when they bite.
- Fire ants stings typically result in red spots than turns to small, hard, pale or flesh-colored bumps after a couple of days.
- Mosquitoes, bees, wasp, and Bedbugs leave a much larger swelling or welt. However the degree of reaction to the bite will vary from one individual to another.
- Vacuum all rugs, carpets and furniture-especially between and under cushions. Then, seal and dispose of the vacuum bag in an outside receptacle.
- Clear and clean all floors, even closets. Mop all tile and vinyl floors. Sweep all concrete floors.
- Remove all decorative items, pillows, pet food, water dishes and children's toys-be sure to check for items under beds and furniture.
- Remove all pets. Fish bowls and aquariums may remain if properly covered and the air pump is shut off during treatment.
- Wash or dispose all pet bedding. If laundering, wash pet bedding separately from other linens.
- Mow your lawn and make sure everything on the ground outside has been removed.
- The homeowner needs to arrange for treating the pet. A number of on-animal treatment products are now available. Treatment of pets should be done under the direction of a veterinarian.
Manufacturer Recommended Products And Treatment For Fleas Control
Pests need food, water, and shelter. Often the problem may be solved just by removing these key items. Before even thinking about chemical pest control, it is important to be aware of
Conducive Condition | Recommendation | |
1 | Tree branches on house | Keep tree branches away from house to reduce pest access |
2 | Firewood next to foundation | Keep firewood away from house to reduce pest harborage |
3 | Debris on crawlspace/next to foundation | Remove wood debris to reduce termite ha rborage area |
4 | Excessive plant cover, stump, etc. | Providing spacing between plant cover and structure |
5 | Soil above the foundation Ii ne | Keep soil below top of foundation to reduce harbo rage areas |
6 | Wood-to-ground contact | Keep soil from touching wood to eliminate termite access |
7 | Debris on roof/full gutter | Keep gutter & roof free of debris to reduce insect harborage |
8 | Standi ng water near/under structure | Eliminate standing water to reduce pest harbo rage |
9 | Mo isture problem under structure | Increase ventilation to reduce pest harbo rage area |
10 | Openi ngs at plumbi ng & electronics | Seal opening to reduce pest access |
11 | Excessive gaps at windows/doors | Seal gaps to reduce pest access |
12 | Lea ky plumb ing fixtures | Repair to reduce moisture for pests |
13 | Keep garbage cans covered | Covered to reduce attraction of insects of vertebrate pests |
14 | Mo isture damage wood | Repair rotten or damaged wood to reduce insect harborage |
15 | Grocery bags stored improperly | Seal paper sacks in containers to reduce i nsect ha rborage areas |
16 | Pet food unsealed or left out | Keep pet food in sealed containers and unavailable to pests |
17 | Excessive storage conditions | Keep storage areas uncluttered and manageable |
18 | Debris below kick plates | Remove kick plates to reduce rodent harborage |
2 products