Fleas

Identification

The most common flea found in Madison, Wisconsin is the cat Flea. Cat fleas are dark brown to reddish brown in color, and measure about 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch long and 1/64 of an inch wide. They have six legs, and their hind legs are adapted for jumping. They can jump up to 7 inches vertically and 13 inches horizontally, which is equivalent to a 6-foot human jumping 160 feet vertically and 295 feet horizontally. They have no wings, but they have tube-like mouthparts that allow them to pierce the skin of their hosts and suck their blood. Their bodies are laterally compressed for easy movement through the hairs or under the clothing of their hosts. Their body is also hard, polished, and covered with short hairs and spines that are directed backward for movement. This helps them to avoid being squished when scratched by their hosts. 

Lifecycle

Fleas undergo complete metamorphosis, meaning that they go through four stages of development: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The duration of each stage depends on the environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and availability of food.

• Egg: Flea eggs are tiny, white, oval-shaped eggs that are laid in batches of 20-50 on the host. After being laid, eggs fall off the host onto the host resting site, such as carpets, bedding, couches, etc. This becomes the primary spot for flea development. Flea eggs hatch in about 7-14 days.
• Larva: Flea larvae are small and pale with no eyes, bristles covering their worm-like body, and mouthparts adapted to chewing. They feed on organic debris and flea feces (also known as flea dirt), which contain partially digested blood from the adult fleas. Flea larvae avoid light and prefer moist, shady, cool places. They molt three times before entering the pupal stage. Flea larvae develop in about 12 days.
• Pupa: Flea pupae are enclosed in a sticky, silk-like cocoon that is often covered with dust and debris for camouflage. They remain resting until they sense a signal that a host is near, such as vibrations, heat, or carbon dioxide exhaled from warm-blooded animals. Then they emerge as adult fleas ready to feed and reproduce. Flea pupae can survive for up to a year in unfavorable conditions.
• Adult: Adult fleas are the only stage that lives on the host and feeds on its blood. They must have a blood meal before they can reproduce. Adult fleas can live up to 1.5 years if they find a suitable host.

Reproduction

After finding an animal or human host and taking a blood meal, adult fleas will mate and begin laying eggs in the fur and surroundings of the host. Female fleas can lay up to 500 eggs in their lifetime. Fleas can reproduce very quickly and cause a large infestation in a short time.

Habitat

Fleas can be found almost anywhere in the world, but they prefer warm and humid climates. They can infest a variety of animals, such as dogs, cats, rodents, birds, and humans. However, they cannot sustain a long-term population on humans alone.

Fleas like to hide in crevices and cracks where they can avoid light and disturbance. The most common places where fleas live are where pets lay or spend most of their time, such as pet bedding and living rooms. They also inhabit upholstery, furniture, and other common household furnishings.

A flea population consists of 50% eggs, 35% larvae, 10% pupae, and 5% adults. This means that 95% of the population lives away from the host and in the environment.

Fun Facts

• Cat fleas are the most abundant and widespread species of flea on earth.
• There are over 2,000 species of fleas in the world.
• Fleas can transmit diseases such as murine typhus, plague, cat scratch disease, and tapeworms to animals and humans.
• Flea mating can last from 1 to 9 hours.

Fleas are fascinating creatures that have adapted to survive in various conditions and hosts. However, they are also annoying pests that can cause discomfort, irritation, and health problems for pets and people. If you are having issues with fleas, call the Experts Today for an honest quote and evaluation to meet your specific needs!

Kwik Kill Services to control Fleas:  

• Flea Elimination- Please call our office for more information.  
• Flea Prep Sheet
• One-Time Pest Control Services

Additional Information:

https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef602
https://extension.umn.edu/biting-insects/fleas
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-2081-11