Insect – Moderate risk
Cat Flea
The cat flea is the most common external parasite found on dogs and cats. Despite its name, it infests both cats and dogs and bites humans. A single female lays up to 50 eggs a day and nearly 2,000 over the course of her life: an infestation can take hold in a home within a few weeks.
§1Distinctive features
How to identify it
The cat flea measures 1 to 3 mm and has a reddish-brown body that is flattened laterally and lacks wings. Its long hind legs enable it to make spectacular leaps. It is most easily identified by its black feces in the fur.
§2Habitat
Where to find it
It lives in the fur of cats and dogs, but its eggs end up everywhere: on carpets, floors, in litter boxes, in pet beds, and in cracks in the floor. In a heated home, it reproduces year-round, with a high-risk period from May through October and a peak in late summer.
§3Reproduction
Lifecycle
Without intervention, the entire cycle is completed in three to eight weeks, and each generation gives rise to the next.
§4What to look out for
Signs of infestation
- An animal that scratches or nibbles at itself constantly
- Small black spots (feces) in the coat
- Clusters of bites on human ankles
- Jumping fleas are visible on light-colored floors
§5Why act fast
Risks
- Itching and Allergic Dermatitis in Animals
- A tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) can be transmitted if the animal swallows a flea
- Anemia in heavily infested young animals
§6Prevention
How to avoid it
- Treat all animals with a veterinary flea treatment
- Vacuum often, especially carpets and crevices
- Wash pet bedding in hot water
- Limit Stray Animals' Access to the House
§7Pro method
How MW works
Inspection
Confirm the infestation and locate the sources (baskets, rugs, bedding) using a light trap if necessary.
Preparation
Thoroughly vacuum the floors, carpets, and furniture; wash the bedding; and clear the areas to be treated.
Treatment
Application of a residual insecticide, which kills adults, combined with a growth regulator that inhibits the development of eggs and larvae.
Follow-up
A second visit 2 to 3 weeks later eliminates the fleas that have hatched from the cocoons and confirms that the infestation is over.
§8We answer you
Frequently asked questions
Do cat fleas bite humans?
Yes. When there are no animals around, they bite humans, especially on the ankles and calves, causing small, itchy red bumps.
How do you get rid of fleas in your home?
Treat all pets, vacuum thoroughly every day, and wash bedding. An established infestation often requires professional treatment.
How long can a flea survive without a host?
An adult flea can survive anywhere from a few days to two weeks without a host, but the cocoons can remain dormant for several months before hatching.
A flea problem is never solved by treating the pet alone: the eggs and larvae sit in carpets, floor cracks and bedding, and they keep hatching for weeks. Treating the whole home is part of our pest control service, offered in Granby, in Sherbrooke, in Cowansville and in Bromont.
Sources consulted for this fact sheet: CHUV, University of Montreal · Espace pour la vie, Montreal Insectarium · ESCCAP France · WCVM, University of Saskatchewan.
React quickly, sleep well.
The longer the infestation lasts, the more expensive it becomes.