Flea Larva

Natural Habitat

Typically found in dark, protected areas where pets sleep or frequent, such as deep carpet fibers, bedding, cracks in flooring, and upholstery. They avoid light.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on organic debris, primarily 'flea dirt' (dried blood excreted by adult fleas), dead skin cells, and other organic matter.

Behavior Patterns

Flea larvae are negatively phototactic, meaning they actively move away from light. They spin a cocoon to pupate before emerging as adults. They are legless and move by contracting their bodies.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: They mature into adult fleas which bite humans and animals, causing itching, allergic reactions, and potentially transmitting diseases like tapeworms or typhus. Benefit: None to humans or pets.

Identified on: 2/24/2026