Flea

Natural Habitat

Fleas are ectoparasites found on warm-blooded animals (mammals and birds). In homes, they can be found in carpets, bedding, cracks in floors, and pet resting areas, especially in warm and humid environments.

Diet & Feeding

Adult fleas feed exclusively on the blood of their hosts (hematophagy). Larvae feed on organic debris, including adult flea feces ('flea dirt'), which consists of dried blood.

Behavior Patterns

Fleas are wingless insects with bodies compressed laterally, allowing them to move easily through fur or feathers. They are excellent jumpers. Their life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Females lay eggs on the host, which then fall off into the environment. Larvae hatch and feed, then pupate in a silk cocoon. Adults emerge from pupae when stimulated by vibrations, warmth, or carbon dioxide, indicating a potential host is near. Fleas can survive for significant periods without a blood meal.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Fleas can cause itching, skin irritation (flea allergy dermatitis), and secondary infections in hosts due to scratching. They are vectors for several diseases, including bubonic plague (via the oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis) and murine typhus. They can also transmit tapeworms (e.g., Dipylidium caninum) to pets and occasionally humans. Benefits: Generally, fleas pose no benefits and are considered pests due to their parasitic nature and disease transmission capabilities.

Identified on: 11/18/2025