What are the fleas that live in a house called? - briefly
Indoor fleas, typically the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), are the common species that infest homes. They are also referred to as household fleas.
What are the fleas that live in a house called? - in detail
Indoor fleas are commonly referred to as house fleas, with the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) being the predominant species. The dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis) also appears in homes where dogs are present, while the human flea (Pulex irritans) can be found in environments with frequent human activity, though it is less common.
The cat flea’s life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Eggs are deposited on hosts or in the surrounding environment; they hatch within 2–5 days. Larvae feed on organic debris and adult flea feces, developing for 5–20 days before forming a cocoon. Pupae remain dormant until stimulated by heat, carbon dioxide, or vibrations, emerging as adults that seek a blood meal. Under optimal conditions (temperature 20–30 °C, high humidity), the entire cycle can complete in 2–3 weeks, allowing rapid population growth.
Key characteristics for identification:
- Size: 1–3 mm, laterally flattened.
- Color: reddish‑brown, darkening after a blood meal.
- Jumping ability: up to 20 cm vertically, 30 cm horizontally.
- Presence of combs (genal and pronotal) on the head and thorax.
Health implications include:
- Irritating bites causing itching, redness, and possible secondary infection.
- Transmission of pathogens such as Bartonella henselae (cat‑scratch disease) and Rickettsia typhi (murine typhus) in rare cases.
- Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Control measures focus on interrupting the life cycle:
- Treat all pets with veterinarian‑approved flea‑preventive products (topical, oral, or collar formulations).
- Wash bedding, curtains, and pet accessories in hot water (≥ 60 °C) weekly.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and cracks daily; discard vacuum bags or empty canisters immediately.
- Apply an insect growth regulator (IGR) spray or fogger to indoor areas to prevent larval development.
- In severe infestations, engage a licensed pest‑control professional for residual insecticide treatment.
Prevention relies on regular pet grooming, maintaining low indoor humidity, and routine environmental cleaning. Prompt detection and comprehensive treatment eradicate infestations before they become entrenched.