Fleas are bloodsucking parasites that feed on humans and other warm blooded mammals and birds. The history of fleas can be traced to the Jurassic age, though there is no paleontological evidence supporting this theory. We do however know where fleas come from and that is what we will discuss in this article by looking back at the history of fleas and their feeding … [Read more...]

Springtail fleas or snow fleas are not fleas at all; they belong to the Collembola order, Hypogastrura genus and the phylum Arthropod. Physical description of the hypogastrura nivicola Like most arthropods, Springtail fleas have pale (sometimes spotted, striped or colored) bodies that are divided into several segments measuring about 1/16th of an inch long. They have … [Read more...]

The sticktight fleas or the echidnophaga gallinacean are popularly known as hen fleas. However, they do not just infest poultry; they are also seen on cats, dogs, people, horses, rodents, rabbits etc. Recently, a sticktight flea was found embedded in the cheek of a 2 year old kid from western part of USA. The reason behind the moniker ‘sticktight’ is due to the fact … [Read more...]

Fleas are ectoparasites that affect not only mammals such as dogs and cats, but also wild birds and domestic poultry. Chicken fleas or the Ceratophyllus Gallinae are a common problem in Europe and North America affecting nearly 75 species of birds and mammals. They are known to infest bird cages, poultry shelters and other building structures where animals and birds are … [Read more...]

Rat fleas may not be as common as cat or dog fleas, but they are important vectors of deadly diseases such as the bubonic plague. In fact, rat fleas are believed to have killed nearly a quarter of the European population in the 14th century by spreading bacterium called Yersinia Pestis responsible for the infamous ‘black plague’. Rat fleas are of two types. The Northern … [Read more...]

The Pulex Irritans or human fleas, despite their name, are normally associated with many other mammals like skunks, foxes, coyotes etc. The human fleas have a life cycle similar to dog and cat fleas; they are capable of laying up to 400 eggs under favorable conditions. Habitat and Physical description of Pulex Irritans When it needs to feed, the adult Pulex Irritans is … [Read more...]

Ctenocephalides Canis or dog fleas are problematic to dogs and their owners. Not only can they be carriers of diseases such as Typhus and Bubonic plague, in dogs they can also cause a variety of health issues like allergic dermatitis, pruritis, anemia etc. Ctenocephalides Canis in the United States In the United States, dog fleas pass the cold winter season in … [Read more...]

Cat fleas or Ctenocephalides Felis is a common ectoparasite in the United States. In tropical regions, they can be a huge problem all year round (owing to their potential as a disease vector as well as biting capability). In lower temperate regions, they mainly appear during the warmer seasons. What are Ctenocephalides Felis fleas? The Ctenocephalides Felis or … [Read more...]

Water fleas under the order Cladocera have the scientific name of Daphnia ambigua which is the most common genus of the species. About 600 species under the order Cladocera has been identified although so much more are still unrecognized. They belong to the large group of “jointed limb” animals which mostly live in water. As a matter of fact, these species are not fleas … [Read more...]

Think you know everything there is to know about fleas and their impact on pets? Read these little known flea facts and common flea myths that can solve all your flea related doubts. Flea Myth 1 - A few fleas are okay to have This is one of the greatest of all flea myths and hundreds of pet owners are under this misconception. The fact is that fleas multiply as rapidly as … [Read more...]