Materials and Methods

Preparation of the trap

Two varieties of techniques will be used to trap the common cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis felis).
For both traps, the light source is to be a 20W incandescent light bulb emitting light of wavelengths 500525 nm and of consistent size.
For indoors and in areas where a low amount of disruption will be expected (i.e. low number of
pedestrians and low foot traffic), indoor bowl traps (Fig. 1) are to be used. A small tray (diameter 4-6 in.)
will first be prepared, and about 75% of its volume will be filled with water. Several drops of dish soap will
be added into the tray and mixed evenly so as to reduce surface tension and prevent fleas from sitting on
top of the water. From the tray containing the solution, an incandescent bulb lamp will be suspended 3-4
inches above it. To further prevent fleas from escaping, petroleum jelly will be smeared on the sides of the
tray.
For outdoors and areas where high amount of disruption will be expected (i.e. high number of
pedestrians and high foot traffic), outdoor intermittent light traps (Fig. 2) will be utilized. An incandescent
light bulb of the same requirements as are noted in the bowl traps will be placed inside a clear acrylic
cylinder (height 12 in., diameter 5 in.). The cylinder will be coated with Sticky Stuff brand adhesive. To
prevent contamination, a large-hole mesh enclosure will be used, supported by two aluminum plates
(diameter 6 in.) at opposite ends of the cylinder.

Figure 1. Indoor bowl trap

Figure 2. Outdoor light trap

Trapping procedure
2-15 traps should be set up in areas most likely to contain fleas. These include pet beds, common
play areas, clothing storage, pet toy storage, shelter kennels, and other locations frequented by animals,
as well as the surrounding areas. Traps will be set up for a 24-hour period, with a minimum of two
repetitions.

Trap locations
Upon choosing the types of traps to be set up in these locations, potential disturbances (foot
traffic) should be considered. Where disturbances are unlikely, indoor bowl traps should be chosen. If
outdoors or if disturbances seem likely, outdoor light traps should be chosen. In deciding the number of
traps, consider the number of areas most likely to contain fleas.
725 16th Ave Apt B, Seattle, WA 98122: The home of petsitter Cecil Abril. 10 bowl traps
should be set up total, nearby the beds used by her clients (pets), the play area for pets as well
as the surrounding areas, areas around the clothing storage, and areas nearby the storage
location of pet toys. If disturbance seems likely, switch to light traps.
3148 Indiana St Miami, FL 33133: The home of animal care specialist James Hess. 8
bowl traps should be set up around where work attire is stored, around the closet, and near any
bedding the patient may have come into contact with. If disturbance seems likely, switch to light
traps.
The Cat Network, Miami, FL 33234: The workplace of animal care specialist James Hess.
15 bowl and light traps should be set up total. Since this is a public location, trap types should be
carefully considered according to amount of potential disturbances.
3912 NE 20th Cir, Homestead, FL 33033: The home of novelist Lora Cistrunk. 5 bowl
traps will be set up inside the house, around areas frequented by animals. If disturbances seem
likely, light traps will be used instead. 2 light traps will be set up in the yard.

 705 35th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144: The home of stewardess Madalyn Richer. 5 bowl
traps should be set up near pet sleeping areas and other areas frequented by animals. If
disturbance seems likely, switch to light traps.
8460 Cole Crest Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90046: The home of businessman Marc Albert. 5
bowl traps should be set up near pet sleeping areas and other areas frequented by animals. If
disturbance seems likely, switch to light traps.
8720 Carlitas Joy Ct, Las Vegas, NV 89117: The home of vet tech and grooming
specialist Mark Pace. 5 bowl traps should be set up near areas of uniform storage and grooming
tool storage. If disturbance seems likely, switch to light traps.
7891 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89117: West Charleston Animal Hospital, or the
workplace of vet tech and grooming specialist Mark Pace. 15 light and bowl traps will be set up
total. Traps should be set up inside the veterinary office where the patient had worked. Since this
is a public location, trap types should be carefully considered according to amount of potential
disturbances.
8455 Fountain Ave Apt 3B, West Hollywood, CA 90069: The home of housekeeper
Rosemarie Avery. 5 bowl traps should be set up near areas containing work gear and clothing. If
disturbance seems likely, switch to light traps.
516 De Soto Dr, Miami Springs, FL 33166: The home of inventory control specialist Sadie
Waring. 5 bowl traps should be set up near areas containing work attire. If disturbance seems
likely, switch to light traps.
4227 Pine Cove Rd, Billings, MT 59106: The home of business owner Vickie Ehrlekrona.
5 bowl traps should be set up near pet sleeping areas and other areas frequented by animals. If
disturbance seems likely, switch to light traps.
521 Lake Washington Blvd E, Seattle, WA 98112: The home of manager Yolande
Geraghty. 5 bowl traps should be set up near areas the cat slept in before death. If disturbance
seems likely, switch to light traps.