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Physical Characteristics
Sticktight fleas are dark brown in color. Because they are among the smallest fleas that pose a problem for domestic animals, it is impossible to see their features without magnification. The best way to know if a flea infestation is sticktight fleas is to look at the fleas on their host's body. Like ticks, sticktight fleas bury their heads into their host's skin while feeding. They become stuck on the flesh, hence their name.
Dangers
Some fleas, such as cat fleas, can spread diseases to humans. Sticktight fleas transmit no diseases to humans of which we are aware. However, they are able to cause infection and anemia through loss of blood in small animals. Sticktight fleas like to congregate near bare patches of skin, such as around the eyes. This can cause the eyes of the host to close from the swelling.
Life Cycle
Once female stickfleas mate, they stick to their hosts for the remainder of their lives. With their faces attached to the animal, they lay eggs in small ulcers on the host. When the eggs become larvae, they fall off the host and onto the ground. Within weeks, the larvae wrap themselves in cocoons and later come out of the cocoons as adult fleas. This process can take days, weeks or months, depending on how hospitable the environment is to fleas. Once the adult fleas come out of their cocoons, they will look for food and begin the mating process.
Pest Control
Flea pest control involves treating infested animals and their environments to prevent the parasites from coming back after initial removal. Remove individual fleas from animals by pulling them out with tweezers. Clean the bite site and apply topical antibiotic that is safe for animals. Alternatively, give animals a flea bath or use flea control chemicals that are appropriate for the animals. There are also bombs and sprays to treat the infested environment.