Flea Larva and Flea Dirt

Natural Habitat

Typically found in areas where pets sleep or rest, such as bedding, carpets, floor cracks, and upholstery. They prefer dark, humid environments protected from direct light.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on organic debris, primarily 'flea dirt' (dried blood found in adult flea feces, shown as the black specks in the image), dead skin cells, and other larval remnants.

Behavior Patterns

They are photophobic (avoid light) and actively burrow deep into carpet fibers or bedding. They spin a sticky cocoon to pupate, which eventually gathers debris for camouflage.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: They signal an active flea infestation. While larvae do not bite humans or pets, they mature into blood-sucking adults that cause itching, allergic reactions, and can transmit diseases or parasites like tapeworms. Benefits: None.

Identified on: 2/19/2026