Fleas are jumping in the house: what causes this? - briefly
Fleas leap indoors when they detect a warm host, such as a pet or human, and are stimulated by vibrations and carbon‑dioxide emissions. High indoor humidity and a recent infestation in the surrounding environment also increase their activity.
Fleas are jumping in the house: what causes this? - in detail
Fleas appear in indoor environments when conditions enable their life cycle to continue. Adult fleas require a blood meal from a warm‑blood host; after feeding, females lay eggs that fall off the host onto carpets, bedding, or cracks in flooring. The eggs hatch into larvae that feed on organic debris, including adult flea feces (which contain partially digested blood). Larvae develop into pupae, which remain in a protective cocoon until environmental cues—such as vibrations, heat, or increased carbon‑dioxide levels—signal a host’s presence. These cues trigger the pupae to emerge as adult fleas, which then leap onto the host to feed, completing the cycle.
Key factors that promote indoor flea activity:
- Host availability – pets, humans, or wildlife that spend time inside provide the necessary blood source.
- Temperature – sustained indoor temperatures between 70 °F and 85 °F accelerate development from egg to adult.
- Humidity – relative humidity of 50‑75 % supports egg viability and larval survival.
- Sanitation – accumulation of pet hair, skin flakes, and dust supplies nutrients for larvae.
- Carpet and upholstery – dense fibers create sheltered microhabitats for eggs, larvae, and pupae.
- Pet movement – frequent indoor roaming spreads fleas and their eggs across rooms.
Interrupting the cycle requires simultaneous action on multiple stages:
- Treat all animals with veterinary‑approved adulticidal and larvicidal products to eliminate the source of blood meals.
- Vacuum thoroughly daily, focusing on seams, under furniture, and pet bedding; dispose of vacuum contents in a sealed bag.
- Wash textiles (bedding, blankets, curtains) at temperatures above 130 °F to kill eggs and larvae.
- Apply an indoor insecticide labeled for flea control, targeting cracks, baseboards, and carpet edges where pupae reside.
- Maintain environmental conditions by lowering humidity with dehumidifiers and keeping indoor temperature stable.
By addressing host treatment, environmental sanitation, and targeted insecticide application, the chain of development is broken, preventing further jumping activity inside the residence.