3. Introduction
Scientific Name: Pulex irritans
Family: Pulicidae
Order: Siphonaptera
Status: Minor pest
Distribution: Rarely present in the houses.
4. Description of Stages
Eggs: White, relatively large, ovoid and 1/50 inch long
Larva: Slender, whitish about 1/6 to 1/4 inch long,
with small pale brown head and without legs and eyes.
Body is plainly segmented and covered with very long
hairs. Chewing mouthparts
Pupa: Small, oval and white silken cocoon
Adult: Hard skinned, very spiny, extraordinary thin
from side to side, with piercing sucking mouthparts,
concealed antennae, no wings and very large legs for
jumping
5.
6. Damage
Fleas bite is not felt immediately but it increases
irritation and sore for several days or week
Fleas spread plague from rat to man
It is an important vector of it
They transmit infection by regurgitating bacilli in
stomach contents through proboscis during feeding
Fleas are the principle vectors of Maurine or
endemic typhus from rats to man
7.
8. Control
Destruction of rats and other rodents.
The cats may be encouraged.
Wire cages may be employed.
Use of zinc phosphide pellets.