[Synanthropic fleas (Siphonaptera) biting people in Moscow and control of their size]

The species composition of fleas attacking man in Moscow, the time course of changes in their size, and the efficiency of disinfecting measures against them have been studied. The basement premises are the commonest habitat of fleas. The absolute predominant species in these biotopes are Cetenocephalides felis (Boushe) whose feeders are dogs, synanthropic rodents, and humans, other than cats. Micropopulations of the fleas have been existed in some structures for more than 5 years (a follow-up period). A mathematical analysis of the factors that influence the efficiency of disinfestation has established that the most influential factors were the factors associated with the poor state of basement premises (the presence of a substrate for the breeding and shelter of fleas, the possibility of homeless animals and rodents, the feeders of fleas, to penetrate there) that reduce the residual effect of insecticides. Out of 15 applied insecticides, those based on chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, and fenvalerate showed the highest efficacy. The combined use of liquid and powered insecticides is most effective in disinfestation. The treatments made in the periods when the number of fleas is small in the basements (April-May and August-September) provide the most prolonged residual effect.