Description
The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, is the most common flea in Maine and throughout the US. They live on a host, feeding on blood and laying hundreds of eggs. In fact, a female flea can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime. As the name suggests, their favorite hosts are domestic cats, but they will infest any mammal, including raccoons, rats and dogs.
Biology
Adult fleas are wingless and only about 1/8 of an inch in length. A flea’s body is very flat, making it easy for them to fit through the smallest of spaces. They are generally black in color, but can also be a reddish-brown color.
Control
Fleas are nearly impossible to prevent, as they can be brought into home even if you do not have pets. They are often introduced to a structure by wild animals that come nearby. If you have seen signs of fleas in your home, contact Simply Pest Solutions.