Flea

Natural Habitat

Fleas thrive in warm, humid environments. They are commonly found in carpets, pet bedding, cracks in floors, and furniture. They parasitize mammals and birds.

Diet & Feeding

Adult fleas feed exclusively on the blood of their hosts (hematophagous). Larvae feed on organic debris, including adult flea feces (flea dirt).

Behavior Patterns

Fleas are wingless insects known for their ability to jump long distances relative to their size. They have a four-stage life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs are laid on the host but fall off into the environment. Larvae hatch and develop in cracks and crevices. Pupae can remain dormant for extended periods, emerging as adults when a host is detected by vibrations or carbon dioxide. Adults live on hosts, feeding and reproducing.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Fleas can cause intense itching, skin irritation, and allergic reactions (flea allergy dermatitis) in pets and humans. They can also transmit diseases such as tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum) and, historically, the bubonic plague (Yersinia pestis) to humans, though this is less common now. No notable benefits to humans or ecosystems, as they are primarily pests.

Identified on: 11/15/2025