Lack of behavioral responses of the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae), to a broad spectrum of ultrasound.

Abstract

Adult cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouche), were exposed to increasing sound frequencies from 1 kHz to 200 kHz, and activity counts and behavioral observations were made. There was no increased running or jumping activity in response to any particular sound frequency. Brief exposures to carbon dioxide caused significant increases in random jumping. Exposure to a pet collar device producing a continuous 50-Hz sound and short bursts of 40 kHz resulted in no increased activity or oriented movements toward or away from the device. Increasing the power of the 40-kHz sound to 3 watts did not affect the activity of the adult fleas. There is no apparent utility for the device or ultrasound in a flea management program.