Fun Flea Facts

Fun Flea Facts

“Hi, My name is Mr. Flea” – An Intro to Fleas

There are more than 2,500 different species of fleas in existence, roughly 300 of which are found in the US. Of these 300, the most prominent species to plague us is the Ctenocephalides felis… also known as the “cat flea,” though, this is a misnomer. While different types of fleas do have their preferred meals, the parasites do not discriminate their choice of a host and this species in particular are, in fact, far more often associated with canines than felines. These nasty little vampires are very tiny, coming in at about an 8^th of an inch in length and sporting a reddish-brown shell. Other species of flea that are fairly common in the US include: Ctenocephalides canis (the dog flea), Pulec irritans (the human flea), Xenopsylla cheopis (the oriental rat flea), and Nosopsyllus fasciatus (the northern rat flea).

Traveling Fleas

Fleas are external parasites which means they travel on the backs, legs, etc. of their hosts from place to place and being to being. As such, the most common way that fleas get into your home is on pets that spend time outdoors or with other pets. Historically, fleas are notorious for being spread by rats, so if you begin to notice fleas in a pet-less home, this may actually be due to a rodent infestation.

Fleas and Disease

When these fleas were historically spread by rats, they were also spreading horrible diseases – most notably the bacterium Yersinia pestis… the “Black Plague.” While the plague is mainly perceived as a historical illness, it is still prevalent today, although thankfully, our modern medicine can now treat the bacteria if caught early enough. Those who contract the disease and do not seek treatment following the appearance of symptoms, can actually die within a week, so it is important to be vigilant about any symptoms of illness you may experience when you are aware of fleas in your home. Other diseases that fleas can transmit include tularemia and typhus.

Prevent Your Home from Becoming a Flea Circus

If you have pets, consider consulting your vet about prescription or over-the-counter protection for your furry friends. If you do notice your furry friends starting to scratch and find the little pests within the depths of their fur, it is essential to begin washing your clothing and thoroughly vacuuming your home. All stages of the flea life cycle that may be present in these soft surfaces can be killed in a washer/dryer and removed from your carpet by the intense suction. For protection around your home, our Mosquito Treatments also cover both ticks and fleas, repelling the bloodsuckers from your yard and thereby preventing them from finding their way onto you or your family.

Citations

Prevention and Control: Fleas (N/A) Illinois Department of Public Health. The Division of Environmental Health. Available at: http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/pcfleas.htm (Accessed: May 2020). Tularemia (2018) Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tularemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20378635 (Accessed: May 2020).