Nobody likes to think about fleas, the thought alone is enough to make you itch! However even if fleas are not your favorite thing to discuss, you should know the types of fleas found in the United States. Knowing what potential types are around will allow you to know treatments to use if you spot one! You will also know any potential health risks they pose. Let’s look at the types of fleas in the United States!
Cat Flea
The cat flea or Ctenocephalides Felis is surprisingly not only just found on cats. Even though the name would indicate otherwise! It is found on dogs and other pets that are in the United States and is the most common type! One potential issue that this flea can cause is plague bacteria.Hhowever it is less common for this flea to spread it as opposed to fleas from common pests such as the ground squirrel. These fleas make up approximately 90 percent of the fleas found in the US!
Dog Flea
The dog flea or Ctenocephalides canis is one that is responsible for the potential spread of Dipylidium caninum. This is a tapeworm that is typically found inside of cats and dogs but will sometimes make its way to a human host. These fleas are most active in rainy or warmer seasons such as spring. Even though their name would indicate they would be a frequent visitor for your dog that is not the case! They are in fact not known to be one of the common fleas found on domesticated canines. Instead the cat flea has that role.
Ground Squirrel Flea
The next type of flea we will look at is the ground squirrel flea or Oropsylla montana. This flea is typically found on ground squirrels as the name suggests. It is more troublesome and worrisome than the dog or cat flea because it has the possibility of spreading plague to people in the United States. While it is not as common as it was in the past, one thing to be aware of is that there is potential for bubonic plague with these pests. Thankfully now there are antibiotics that can help treat it, but it is always best to avoid it if possible. California Ground Squirrels are one such squirrel that is a carrier of the ground squirrel flea.
How Do I Avoid Fleas?
Now that you know three common types of fleas found in the United States you may be wondering how to avoid them. One such way is to ensure your pets don’t get them. There are many flea prevention techniques such as collars or monthly pills your pet can take. Preventing them from getting fleas prevents you from potentially falling prey to them as well! If you plan to go outdoors and it is at all possible cover your arms and legs with long sleeves and pants to prevent them from latching on to you! If you have your dog in the woods always check them as well for bites! You can also use an insect repellent designed specifically to repel fleas in order to prevent them from biting you in the first place!