FLEAS are flightless parasitic insects that live from drinking the blood of animal hosts. They can jump huge distances using their powerful back legs, allowing them to transfer between hosts. 

Many species of flea are named after a specific host, such as the “cat flea” (Ctenocephalides felis), but are in fact capable of feeding on several different animals. 

As one of the Science and Society authors recently found out from moving into a new house, fleas lurk in carpets and soft furnishings while waiting for a new host. Once bitten, the host will have itchy, red bites.