Flea

Natural Habitat

Typically lives on mammalian hosts (cats, dogs, wildlife) and in the immediate environment where those hosts sleep or rest, such as carpets, pet bedding, and furniture foam.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed exclusively on the blood of mammals and birds; larvae feed on organic debris, particularly the feces of adult fleas (dried blood).

Behavior Patterns

Fleas are excellent jumpers due to powerful hind legs, allowing them to leap onto hosts. They undergo complete metamorphosis. Adults are parasitic, while larvae hide in cracks, crevices, and carpet fibers avoiding light.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Their bites cause itching, irritation, and allergic dermatitis (FAD) in pets and humans. They can transmit diseases (like murine typhus or cat scratch disease) and parasites (tapeworms). Benefits: None significant to humans or domestic ecosystems.

Identified on: 3/1/2026