How do fleas live in a house? - briefly
Fleas survive indoors by feeding on the blood of pets or humans, depositing eggs in carpets, bedding, and floor cracks where larvae develop in the surrounding debris. They stay concealed until a host brushes past, then jump onto the host to continue their life cycle.
How do fleas live in a house? - in detail
Fleas establish themselves in residential environments by exploiting warm, humid micro‑habitats and readily available hosts. Adult females lay eggs on the animal’s fur; the eggs fall onto bedding, carpets, and floor seams, where they hatch into larvae within 24–48 hours. Larvae avoid light, migrate downward, and feed on organic debris, adult flea feces (blood), and skin scales. Development proceeds through three instars, each lasting a few days to weeks depending on temperature and humidity. The pupal stage occurs in a protective silk cocoon, often hidden in carpet fibers or cracks; vibration or carbon‑dioxide from a passing host triggers adult emergence.
Key locations within a dwelling that support each stage include:
- Bedding and pet sleeping areas: high moisture, frequent host contact, abundant egg deposition.
- Carpet piles and rugs: provide darkness for larvae and structural protection for pupae.
- Upholstered furniture seams: retain humidity, shelter developing stages.
- Cracks in flooring or baseboards: serve as concealed pupal chambers.
Adult fleas remain on the host for blood meals, but they also spend time on the floor to locate a host, using jumping ability to bridge gaps up to 7 inches. They are attracted to body heat, movement, and carbon‑dioxide. After feeding, adults retreat to sheltered spots to digest blood and reproduce.
Environmental factors influencing infestation intensity:
- Temperature: optimal range 75–85 °F accelerates development; cooler conditions prolong larval and pupal periods.
- Relative humidity: 70 % or higher enhances larval survival; low humidity desiccates eggs and larvae.
- Host density: multiple pets increase egg output and provide continuous blood sources.
Control measures must target each life stage:
- Mechanical removal: vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery daily; discard vacuum bags or empty canisters promptly.
- Chemical treatment: apply insecticide sprays or powders labeled for indoor flea control, focusing on cracks, baseboards, and pet bedding.
- Environmental regulation: maintain indoor humidity below 50 % and keep temperatures moderate to suppress development.
- Host management: treat pets with veterinarian‑approved flea preventatives; wash bedding at ≥130 °F weekly.
By disrupting the cycle at egg, larval, or pupal stages and reducing host availability, a household can effectively eliminate flea populations.