Pigeon Flea vs Dog Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pigeon Flea Dog Flea
Scientific Name Ceratophyllus columbae Ctenocephalides canis
Order Siphonaptera Siphonaptera
Family Ceratophyllidae Pulicidae
Size 2-3 mm 2-3.5 mm
Habitat Woodlands Underground
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Europe, North America Europe, Asia, Africa, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Pigeon Flea

A flea found in pigeon nests and dovecotes that can bite humans in infested buildings. It thrives in the accumulated droppings and debris of pigeon roosts.

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Did You Know?

Urban pest controllers frequently encounter it when clearing pigeon infestations from building interiors.

Dog Flea

A flea historically associated with domestic dogs but actually less common on dogs than the cat flea. Distinguished by its more rounded head profile.

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Did You Know?

Despite being called the dog flea, this species is often outnumbered on dogs by cat fleas at a ratio of ten to one.