Flea

Found indoors in carpets, pet bedding, upholstery, and outdoors in shaded, moist areas frequented by host animals.

Adult fleas feed on the blood of mammals (pets, wildlife, humans), while larvae feed on organic debris, particularly adult flea feces ('flea dirt').

Wingless and laterally flattened insects capable of jumping impressive distances relative to their size. Female fleas lay eggs on host animals, which drop off into the environment.

Risks: Inflict itchy, irritating bites that can cause allergic dermatitis in pets and humans. They can vector diseases such as murine typhus and tapeworms. Benefits: No significant ecological benefit in human environments.