Flea Larva

Natural Habitat

Typically found in dark, protected areas where pets sleep, such as deep in carpet fibers, under furniture, in pet bedding, or cracks in floorboards.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on organic debris, particularly 'flea dirt' (dried blood excreted by adult fleas), skin flakes, and other organic matter found in dust.

Behavior Patterns

Flea larvae are negatively phototactic (they avoid light) and will burrow deep into carpets or bedding. They spin a silken cocoon to pupate, which collects debris for camouflage.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: They mature into adult fleas that bite humans and pets to feed on blood, causing itching, allergic reactions, and potentially transmitting tapeworms or diseases like typhus and plague. Benefits: None in a domestic setting.

Identified on: 2/11/2026