FLEAS

FLEAS

Fleas are small, wingless, reddish-brown insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) with hard, flattened bodies, making them difficult to crush. They have three pairs of legs, with enlarged hind legs that enable powerful jumps—up to 7 inches vertically and 13 inches horizontally.

charecteristics

• Feeding: Fleas use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on blood from hosts, such as dogs and cats.
• Lifespan: Without a host, adult fleas live for only a few days to 2 weeks.
• Habitat: Fleas do not thrive in hot, sunny outdoor environments like lawns.

impact

• Irritation: Fleas cause constant scratching, leading to roughened coats, soiled fur, and possible nervous conditions in pets.
• Allergic Reactions: Pets can develop allergies to flea bites, resulting in severe itching from just one or two bites.
• Common Species: The most common fleas are dog fleas and cat fleas.