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REGIONAL PEST REPORT

Winter season

Pest threat

Mice are moving inside and other wildlife may be looking for potential harbourage areas. Cluster flies have hibernated in attics and wall voids. As the temperature fluctuates keep your eyes and ears open for the signs and sounds of unwanted pests this winter. Carpenter ant activity may be seen in the home where moisture is found on a warmer day.

 

Stay alert

Get more info on local pests

Fleas (Order Siphonaptera)

Fleas

Identification

  • Are ectoparasites known to transmit disease (e.g. plague, murine typhus)
  • Include several pest species, namely cat, dog, human, rat, and squirrel fleas
  • Measure about 1.5 mm in length, depending on species
  • Are laterally flattened (i.e. flat at the sides)
  • Are wingless; cannot fly
  • Normally are brownish-black in colour; however, after feeding they will take on a reddish hue
  • Have long and powerful hind legs that are adapted for jumping; can jump up to 20 cm vertically and about 40 cm horizontally
  • Have short, 3-segmented antennae
  • Mouthparts adapted for piercing and sucking

Habitat and Behaviour

  • Can exist in a structure without the presence of their primary host (usually pets)
  • Are protected in their pupal stage and can remain so for several months until temperature increases and vibrations are detected
  • Adults can live several months without food (blood)
  • Prefer high moisture environments, whether indoors or outdoors
  • Will readily bite humans

Lifecycle

  • Undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult)
  • Females require a blood meal prior to laying eggs which are deposited on the host animal and/or the host’s resting area
  • Females are capable of producing upwards of 500 eggs over a lifetime
  • Larvae require a blood meal to ensure development