The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) and dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis) are among the most important flea species. They both cause fundamentally the same harm, and mainly infest cats and dogs. About 80 % of the flea problems in Europe are attributable to the cat flea.
Fleas grow to a maximum of 4 mm, are coloured either dark- or red-brown, and have strong jumping legs. They lay up to 400 eggs in the environment of their hosts. The breeding places are mainly dust and dirt accumulated in crevices, joints and corners.
The thread-like legless larvae are about 5 mm long. They feed on organic materials and the blood-containing excrement of grown fleas. The larvae are found in floor areas, for instance on carpets, under skirting boards and in cracks. They take about 7 to 18 days to develop. A generation of fleas lives for about four to six weeks.
Fleas cause painful bites on cats and dogs - and on humans too - and they suck their blood. The cat flea is most widespread, and it can temporarily transfer to humans. Fleas often bite several times in direct succession, until their appetite is satisfied. The itching stops after one to two days, but may then suddenly recur. Sometimes weals form. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms and cause allergies.
Preventive measures and control
