Flea

Fleas are small, blood-sucking insects that live on pets and can also bite humans, causing itchiness and irritation. They sometimes spread diseases, making regular pet care and hygiene essential.

Physical Appearance

Fleas are tiny, wingless insects measuring about 1/8 of an inch long. Their flat, oval shape allows them to move easily through animal fur. Fleas have six legs, with strong hind legs that enable them to jump distances over 100 times their own body length to find a host. They are commonly found in humid places like grassy areas, carpets, and pet beds.

Habitat

Fleas thrive on warm-blooded animals such as dogs, cats, and rodents, and will bite humans when needed. While they are more active in warm seasons, they can survive year-round indoors due to consistent heating and cozy conditions. In the U.S., flea infestations are most severe in warm and humid regions such as the Southeast, Gulf Coast, and parts of the West Coast. Infestations peak in spring and fall, particularly persisting year-round in places like Florida and Texas.

Health Risks and Prevention

Flea bites can cause discomfort, allergic reactions, and transmit diseases such as murine typhus, plague, and cat scratch disease. They can also carry tapeworms that pose health risks to both pets and humans. Regular flea treatment for pets, maintaining cleanliness, and controlling humidity indoors are essential steps to prevent infestations and protect family members.

Types of Fleas

Despite their size, fleas are a diverse group of parasites, each adapted with impressive survival tactics for living on different hosts and in varying environments.