THE CAT FLEA - BIOLOGY, ECOLOGY AND CONTROL

Control failures and recurrences of infestation of dogs, cats and thei r home environment with the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis felis are common. Attempts to control these infestations are often impaired by a n inadequate understanding of the interaction of the cat flea with its hosts and environment. This review presents information on the medica l and veterinary importance of the cat flea and discusses recent infor mation on the environmental and host factors that affect its developme nt and survival. Additionally, information is presented on the use and effectiveness of various insecticides and insect growth regulators ag ainst the four life stages.