Flea-Siphonaptera

Fleas are known parasites- they live off any mammal or bird species as their host, they lack wings but make up for that with amazing hind legs able to jump extreme distances. Without a host a flea may only last a few days. The average flea lives up to 3 months on our pets. However under a few ideal conditions like: temperature, food supply, and humidity, some fleas can live for up to a year and a half. 

Not only annoying to our pets, but they can also spread other serious diseases and trigger some serious issues, such as allergies and skin infections. They infest household pets, wild animals, livestock and even birds. The flea can infest quickly; from the time it lands on your pet and begins feeding it will start laying eggs approx. 50 a day, Fleas are commonly found on domesticated pets but they will feed on rabbits, rodents, opossums, raccoons, and squirrels as well. 

There are more than 2,200 types of fleas; 19 that are prevalent in the state of Florida. Of the 19; there are 6 that are not only common here in our area but also give us reason for concern.

Below are the three (3) most common types of species of Fleas for South Florida: