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INTRODUCTION. Fleas are one of the more important groups of insect pests because they not only cause discomfort by biting, but they can transmit several diseases such as plaque and murine typhus.  Cat fleas are found throughout the United States and the rest of the world.

RECOGNITION. Adults about 1/8in 2.5 mm) long.  Winds lacking.  Body laterally flattened (side to side).  Color brownish black to black, but reddish black when full of blood.  Females head twice as long as high.  Compound eyes well developed.  Both genal and pronotal combs present, each composed of 16 spines, and genal combs first 2 anterior spines of about equal length.  Femur of hind leg with 7-10 bristles on inner side.  Abdominal terga (dorsal plate of segments) 2-6 with a single row of bristles.  In addition, antennae short, 3 segmented; ocelli lacking; legs long, coxae large, tarsi 5-segmented; usually jumping insects; mouthparts piercing-sucking with well-developed palps.

     Mature larvae about twice the adult length.  Larvae whitish, slender, eyeless, and leggless.  With a well-developed head.  Anal hooks 2, small.  With moderately long, backward-projecting setae (hairs) encircling each segment.

HABITS. It is not necessary to have pets in the building in order to have fleas present.  Since fleas can jump about 6ft (15 cm) vertically, they can easily hitch a ride on shoes, trousers, etc.

     Many vacationers who may have been unaware of the few adult fleas present, are often greeted and severely attacked by fleas upon their return.  This can occur even if the building has been vacant of animals and people for as long as 6 months or so.  This situation can occur because of the potentially long pupal period, adults can live for months without food, and because fleas have not been removed via normal vacuuming.  Also, fleas are normally removed from the interior environment by taking up residence on the pet(s).

     Fleas are typically found where animals sleep or frequent, including along their usual avenue of travel, because this is where eggs and adult fecal blood accumulate.  Most larvae will be found in similar places but especially in areas with high moisture which is necessary for their survival.  Pupae will be found in the same situations as larvae.  Such places include both indoor and outdoor situations.  Cat fleas are also found on other urban hosts such as opossum, fox, mongoose, and occasionally rats.

     Flea larvae die at relative humidities below 45% and about 95%, and hence, are rarely found outdoors in arid climates.  Larvae fail to develop at temperatures below 55F (13C) and at or above 95F (35C).

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