Fleas & Flea Biology There are about 60 species of flea known in
the UK and they belong to the order Syphonaptera. Fleas are
actually quite closely related to flies (Diptera) and it is
thought that they have evolved from a group close to flies.
Fleas feed on warm blooded animals and birds with their
specially adapted mouth parts to suck blood and their saliva
contains enzymes which maintains blood flowing, but also causes
itchy red localized swellings. Their flattened shape and ability
to jump high are adaptations to burrow amongst hair, feather and
fur and to jump from ground level onto the body of a host. Human
fleas (Pulex irritans) are now rare, and most flea infestation
are caused by Cat and dog fleas (Ctenocephalides sp.), are 2-3
mm long and will readily bite humans. This is also the main
reason to control fleas. Flea eggs, approximately 1mm long, are
sticky, but inevitably fall of the host and onto bedding and
carpets in the home were they will hatch about 3 days later. The
white larvae begin feeding