Flea

Natural Habitat

Fleas are found globally wherever their hosts reside. They thrive in warm, humid environments, commonly found in carpets, bedding, pet resting areas, cracks in floors, and sheltered outdoor areas.

Diet & Feeding

Adult fleas are obligate hematophagous parasites, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of their hosts (mammals and birds). Larvae feed on organic debris, including adult flea feces which contain undigested blood.

Behavior Patterns

Fleas are excellent jumpers, capable of leaping great distances relative to their size. They are attracted to warmth, vibrations, and carbon dioxide, which helps them locate hosts. The life cycle involves eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults, with the pupal stage being very resistant to insecticides and can remain dormant for extended periods.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include causing itchy bites, leading to skin irritation, allergic reactions, and secondary bacterial infections from scratching. Fleas can transmit diseases such as murine typhus and plague (historically significant, less common today in many areas). They can also transmit tapeworms (e.g., Dipylidium caninum) to pets and, rarely, humans. There are no known direct benefits of fleas to humans, and their ecological role is primarily as parasites.

Identified on: 8/9/2025