Main Flea Species
I. Cat flea
Scientific Name: Ctenocephalides felis (Bouche).
Family: Pulicidae
II. Dog flea
Scientific Name: Ctenocephalides canis (Curtis).
Family: Pulicidae
II. Human flea
Scientific Name: Pulex irritans (Linnaeus).
Family: Pulicidae
II. Oriental Rat flea
Scientific Name: Xenopsylla cheopis (Rothschild).
Family: Pulicidae
General Biology: These tiny tormentor insect reproduce at astounding rates, laying several hundred eggs which hatch and mature in less that two weeks, each new flea ready to reproduce hundreds more.
Public health significance:
Fleas have been troubling mankind and animals for thousands of years. They enter your house on pets and lay their eggs in carpeting, bedding, and upholstered furniture. Since they must feed on blood to survive, hungry fleas can make life miserable for you and your pets, causing itching and swelling wherever they bite.
