Despite its name, the Human Flea has a variety of hosts. Because of this, this species of flea has the ability to cause major health problems as they may harbour and transmit diseases from other animals such as rodents.

Appearance

  • Brownish–black
  • Adult fleas are 1–4 mm long
  • They possess a long, fine proboscis which is used to pierce the skin of their host to feed on their blood

Life Cycle

  • A female flea will lay 4–8 eggs after each blood meal, and can usually lay several hundred eggs during her adult life.
  • Smooth, oval light-coloured eggs measuring around 0.5 mm long are usually laid on hosts, but will not be firmly attached.
  • Larvae feed on organic matter in environment
  • An adult takes a week or two from the larval and pupal phase, but under unfavourable conditions, it can remain in the pupal phase for up to a year