PestDex Details
Cat Flea
Ctenocephalides felis
crawler
Most common flea on both cats and dogs. Bites cause itching and can infest homes.
How to Identify
- •Dark brown, 1/16 inch (sesame seed)
- •Laterally compressed (flattened side-to-side)
- •Powerful hind legs for jumping
- •Flea dirt (black specks) on pet bedding — turns red when wet
Where Found
On pets and in carpets, pet bedding, furniture. Eggs drop off pet and hatch in environment. MD/VA/DC homes with pets susceptible year-round.
Seasonality
Peak summer–fall outdoors. Year-round indoors in heated homes.
Health & Property Risk
Bites cause intense itching, allergic dermatitis in pets and humans. Transmits tapeworms to pets. Anemia risk in puppies/kittens from blood loss. Rapid reproduction — hundreds of eggs per female.
Prevention Tips
- •Treat pets with vet-approved flea prevention monthly
- •Vacuum frequently (dispose of bag outside)
- •Wash pet bedding weekly in hot water
- •Treat yard if outdoor exposure
- •Check new pets before bringing home
Treatment Notes
Treat pets AND environment simultaneously. IGR (insect growth regulator) in carpet stops development. Multiple treatments needed (pupae resistant). Vacuum before and after treatment to stimulate emergence.