Fleas
The adult flea spends most of its time attached to the host. Flea larvae occur off the hosts in protected areas with high relative humidity and where the host spends most of its time. They feed on dried blood and adult flea excrement. Cat fleas develop from egg to adult in about 3 to 5 weeks under normal household conditions. Fleas are important medical pests that may produce irritating bites and transmit disease organisms to humans. Cat and dog fleas are intermediate hosts of tapeworms that are capable of infecting humans when ingested. Throughout history, the Oriental rat flea has been an important vector in plague. In heavy infestations, animals may suffer anemia due to extensive feeding by adult fleas.
The adult flea spends most of its time attached to the host. Flea larvae occur off the hosts in protected areas with high relative humidity and where the host spends most of its time. They feed on dried blood and adult flea excrement. Cat fleas develop from egg to adult in about 3 to 5 weeks under normal household conditions. Fleas are important medical pests that may produce irritating bites and transmit disease organisms to humans. Cat and dog fleas are intermediate hosts of tapeworms that are capable of infecting humans when ingested. Throughout history, the Oriental rat flea has been an important vector in plague. In heavy infestations, animals may suffer anemia due to extensive feeding by adult fleas.