External parasites are generally found on or in the skin and are important pests because they bite or annoy both humans and their pets. Fleas, mange mites, andticks are the most frequently encountered and most troublesome pests that attack humans and their pets.

Fleas are small (1/16 in.), dark, reddish-brown, wingless, blood-sucking insects. Their bodies are laterally compressed, (i.e., flattened side to side) permitting easy movement through the hairs on the host's body. Their legs are long and well adapted for jumping. The flea body is hard, polished, and covered with many hairs and short spines directed backward. The mouthparts of an adult flea are adapted for sucking blood from a host.

   
Flea adult                                 Flea larva

Several species of fleas may be pests, and five kinds have been found on a single animal. The cat flea is the most frequently found, although the dog, human, and sticktight fleas are also found. Fleas may attack a wide variety of warm-blooded animals including dogs, humans, chickens, rabbits, squirrels, rats and mice.

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