Flea

Natural Habitat

Fleas live on the bodies of warm-blooded animals, including pets (dogs, cats), livestock, and wild animals. They can also be found in bedding, carpets, upholstered furniture, and cracks in floors, waiting for a host.

Diet & Feeding

Fleas are ectoparasites that feed on the blood of their hosts. Both male and female adult fleas require blood meals to survive and reproduce. Larvae feed on organic debris, including adult flea feces.

Behavior Patterns

Fleas are known for their ability to jump significant distances relative to their size, allowing them to easily transfer between hosts. They are highly resilient and can survive for extended periods without a blood meal. Their life cycle typically involves four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Flea bites can cause itchy red bumps, skin irritation, and allergic reactions (flea allergy dermatitis) in both humans and animals. They can also transmit diseases such as murine typhus and plague, and act as intermediate hosts for tapeworms (e.g., Dipylidium caninum). Benefits: In most contexts, fleas are considered pests and offer no direct benefits to humans or ecosystems, though they are a food source for some predatory insects and small animals.

Identified on: 9/22/2025