Pest Briefs: Fleas 101
By: Robert (Bob) Batman

NATURAL ENTOMOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION

Phylum Arthropoda
Class Hexapoda or Insecta
Order Siphonaptera
Family Pulicidae
Genus/species Various

Morphosis: Complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, and adult).

MORE THAN ONE SPECIES: This Brief covers only the following: 1) Cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis [Bouche]); 2) Dog flea (C. Canis [Curtis]), and; 3) Human flea (Pulex irritans [Linn.}). In our area of the country cat fleas are responsible for most of the flea infestations treated by professional technicians followed, but not too closely, by dog flea infestations. Each of these flea species can be found on various host animals, including humans. The adults of these species appear blackish in color and are approximately 1/8 inch long.

FLEAS CAN'T FLY, BUT THEY CAN JUMP!

FLEAS TRANSMIT DISEASES! This fact alone should be reason enough to seek immediate professional remedy for this pest.

PROPER PRE-TREATMENT PREPARATION RECOMMENDED: Your professional pest control service company should provide you with instructions regarding proper pre- treatment preparation. Follow their instructions, otherwise, your lack of proper pre- treatment preparation will limit the extent and effectiveness of the service(s) provided. Notice: pre-treatment herein refers to having all preparations finished before treatment time.

If you live in the Greater Kansas City (Missouri and Kansas) Metropolitan Area, call Best at (816) 765-8844 weekdays between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Best Exterminators, Inc. Main Office Number: (816) 765-8844.