Fleas transport themselves on rodents and other mammals, and usually remain on their hosts at all times. The most common species is the cat flea, which often feasts on cats, dogs and humans.

Fleas do not fly. Instead, they jump from one place to another. In fact, fleas can jump as high as 8” vertically, which is 150 times their own height. If we could do this, we would be able to leap over skyscrapers!

Size: 1/12″ to 1/6″
Shape: Flat
Color: Dark, reddish brown
Legs: 6
Wings: No
Antenna: Yes

Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Siphonaptera
Family: Pulicidae
Species: Ctenocephalides fellis

Diet:
Fleas are parasites that feed on blood.

Habitat:
Fleas can live on any warm-blooded animal, but seem to prefer to live on humans, cats, dogs, opossums, rats and other rodents. They can also be found on shoes, pant legs, or blankets.

Impact:
Fleas are best known for spreading the Bubonic Plague. They also transmit the bacterial disease murine typhus to humans through infected rats. Their saliva is an allergen that can cause allergic reactions in pets and humans. Fleas can also transfer tapeworms and cause anemia in pets. Flea bites cause painful, itchy red bumps.