Few other parasites are as difficult to control as fleas. Traditional
attempts of controlling this pest on the pet revolved around an array
of products like collars, sprays, powders and shampoos. In addition,
household products such as light traps, sonic devices, and chemical
foggers were also used. However, only a few lucky pet owners will claim
to have completely and in long term conquered the annoying flea using
any of these methods.
Fleas are true parasites. They cannot reproduce without ingesting blood
from a host for sustenance. Fleas have been in existence at least 50
million years. So far, over 2200 types of fleas have been identified.
Some fleas are host specific, but others may infest many different
species.
Although many varieties of fleas are known throughout the world, only a
few species infest dogs and cats and with sufficient regularity to be
of importance:
Cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis)
Dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis)
Human flea (Pulex irritans)
Poultry sticktight flea (Echidnophaga gallinacea)
Professional treatment including integrated pest management, treatment
of infested areas, and ongoing assistance by the home owner is by far
the best approach to effective and lasting flea control.
Fleas