What are Fleas?
Fleas are wingless insects that feed on blood. They cannot fly but
their jumping ability is incredible. They can jump easily from one place
or another. They can jump up to 20 cm high, vertically and horizontally.
Their mouthparts are designed for piercing skin and sucking blood. Fleas
are one of the most common parasites that live on humans and animals
including cats, dogs, rats and other rodents.
Flea belongs to the order of Siphonaptera and is the common name for
insects. They have more than 2,000 species worldwide including the most
common species such as dog flea, cat flea, human flea, moorhen flea,
northern rat flea and the Oriental rat flea.
Fleas are known to be the carrier of many diseases. Their bites may
cause itchy and painful red bumps. Fleas are known for spreading
tapeworms that cause anemia in pets. Their saliva contains allergic
substances that can cause allergic
reactions in pets and humans. They can transfer murine typhus to humans
through infected rats. All these diseases if not prevented can cause
harm, and the worst is death to humans and animals.
Fleas are too small and are hard to detect. Eliminating fleas from your
home can be difficult. Frequent infestation is necessary to prevent
fleas from settling in. General cleaning at least three times a week can
be a good start, but if you think preventing fleas may not be that easy,
call a pest management professional for a help.
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