Fleas
Fleas are a widespread issue globally, and they are often carried into homes by domestic pets. These pesky insects can cause an itchy sensation for both humans and pets, and in some cases even an allergic reaction. Even if you don't have pets, you can still experience flea problems if the previous residents of your home were pet owners or if you work closely with animals. It's worth noting that there are over 2000 flea species worldwide.
The flea, although adaptable to various climates, tends to thrive in moist, humid, and shady environments such as wood piles and tall grass. Inside homes, they are commonly found in and around pet bedding and carpets. Their flat bodies allow them to easily move in and out of fur hair, or feathers, and pets can pick them up from outdoor areas or walks around the neighborhood.
Female fleas lay their eggs while attached to the host, and the eggs will eventually fall to the ground where they will remain until hatching. Fleas have a relatively short lifecycle, going from egg to larva to pupa before becoming an adult. This process can anywhere from 2-3 weeks to several months. Adult cat and dog fleas can live up to one year in ideal environments, but only about 1-2 weeks if no host is present.
Flea Identifier:
Common Flea
Fleas are small insects, measuring only 2.5mm in length. They come in different colors such as, red, or dark brown. Fleas have an oval-shaped abdomen, a tiny head, and six legs that help them jump onto their host.
DID YOU KNOW?
Fleas can't fly and instead rely on an astounding ability to jump to get to a new host. Fleas can jump at least a foot in the air, which is around 150 times their height!
Flea bites on adults typically manifest as a circular red spot with a small dark red dot in the middle. Itching may occur, and those with allergies may experience swelling and hives. Children's skin may react more severely due to its sensitivity, with bites often concentrated on the lower legs and ankles. To alleviate symptoms, wash the affected area with gentle antiseptic or soap, apply ice to reduce inflammation, and use calamine to soothe. If swelling persists, seek medical attention.
Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of host animals by biting and sucking blood. They can bite and feed on dogs, cats, humans, and outdoor animals such as rodents and possums. Most feeding on a pet occurs when it is sleeping or resting. You may only realize you have fleas if a pet is scratching excessively or if tiny bite marks appear on humans.
Fleas enjoy a warm environment