646 INSECT PESTS OF FARM, GARDEN AND ORCHARD 



dog-flea, (Ctenocephalus canis). These breed in accumulations of 

 organic matter in protected places where there is some moisture. 

 This may be in cracks and crevices in the floor of a dwelling, in 

 dirt floors of basement rooms, or in the soil under buildings where 

 the animals are allowed to go. The larvae are like slender maggots 

 and are rather inactive. The length of the life cycle is quite 

 variable, ranging from less than three weeks to several months. 

 Adult fleas attack animals of many kinds, including man. Some 



FIG, 566. The dog flea: a, egg; b, larva in cocoon; c, pupa; d, adult; 6, c, d, 

 much enlarged; a, more enlarged. U. S. Dept. of Agr. 



forms attack poultry and one of the most important members of 

 the group is the chicken sticktight flea, discussed later. 



Domestic fleas are controlled by killing the adults and by 

 eliminating breeding places. They may be killed on animals by 

 the use of some of the insecticide soaps, of which there are many 

 on the market, or by the use of some stock-dip composed 

 of the coal-tar derivatives such as creolin, in water. All the fleas 

 must be thoroughly wet with the mixture. Kerosene emulsion 

 at a strength of about one to fifteen may be substituted, care 

 being taken to have the oil all emulsified. Napthalene powder 



