About Fleas

Animal and pest experts agree that most fleas get into your home by hitching a ride on pets. But, fleas can also come in on people who have handled a flea-infested animal. They can hitch rides on clothing and on the body hair of a human. One flea can bite up to 400 times per day and create 500 offspring in their lifetime, which is usually around 100 days per flea. It is important to start battling fleas at the first sign.

What are They?

Fleas are classified as a parasite. This means they gain all of their nourishment directly by directly feeding off another living source. The flea was first classified scientifically in 1825.

Scientific name: Siphonaptera
Order: Siphonaptera; Latreille, 1825
Class: Insecta
Phylum: Euarthropoda
Kingdom: Animalia
Higher classification: Endopterygota

There are 2500 species of this pest. They feed on the blood (or hematophagy) of their hosts. They are more than just a nuisance. In history they have killed millions of people by spread diseases such as the Black Death.

Pets

For pets you are probably aware of flea shampoos and flea collars. These tools can be effective if used properly. At minimum they can keep the flea numbers down and keep them from biting your pet. But, what about the rest of the home?

Home

Persistent vacuuming and over-the-counter flea treatments can alleviate the flea problem you are facing. But, if the flea problem keeps rearing its ugly head, it may be time to call a pest control agent near you.