| Appearance |
 Tiny,
about 1/6-inch in
length; reddish brown and
flattened. |
| Habitat |
|
Fleas live on the bodies or animals
and feed on their
blood. Because fleas usually feed and lay their eggs while an animal is
sleeping, your pet's resting area is where the most fleas will be found.
Areas where a pet jumps down from furnitire or window sills are also "hot spots"
for fleas. Many pets acquire fleas outside in the yard. The cat
flea will attack both cats
and
dogs. Its flat shape allows it to pass easily between animal
hairs. |
| Diet |
|
Larvae feed on organic debris, particularly the feces of adult fleas,
which contain undigested blood. Females need to feed on animal blood in
order to produce eggs.
|
| Control |
|
Controlling a flea infestation requires treating
your
pets, the inside of your home, and flea activity sites outside. To
treat pets,
consult your veterinarian and follow the instructions of recommended
flea
control products. To treat inside your home, remove all items from the
floors
and vacuum, wash and/or mop thoroughly. Wash or replace pet bedding. In
homes
with active flea infestation, professional treatment is advised.
Because flea
pupae are not affected by treatment, it may take up to two weeks after
treatment before fleas are no longer seen. Regular vacuuming can help to speed
this cycle up. |
|
