How does flea infestation occur? - briefly
Fleas proliferate when adult females deposit eggs on a host or in its surroundings, with larvae feeding on organic debris before developing into pupae and emerging as adults. Warm, humid environments and the presence of animals create the conditions that sustain this life cycle.
How does flea infestation occur? - in detail
Flea infestation begins when adult female fleas lay eggs on a host animal or in the surrounding environment. Each female can deposit several hundred eggs over her lifespan, and the eggs hatch within 24–48 hours under optimal temperature (20–30 °C) and humidity (≥ 70 %).
The newly emerged larvae feed on organic debris, including adult flea feces (flea dirt) that contain partially digested blood. Larvae undergo three molts, forming a cocoon in which pupation occurs. Pupae remain dormant until stimulated by vibrations, carbon dioxide, or elevated temperatures, cues that indicate the presence of a potential host.
When a host passes nearby, the mature adult flea emerges from the cocoon, seeks a blood meal, and attaches to the skin using specialized claws and a backward‑facing spine that prevents backward movement. After feeding, the adult mates; males die shortly after copulation, while fertilized females seek new hosts or remain on the current one to continue the reproductive cycle.
Key factors that accelerate infestation include:
- Warm, humid indoor conditions that shorten developmental stages.
- Presence of pets or wildlife that serve as primary blood sources.
- Accumulation of carpeting, bedding, or cracks where larvae can develop undisturbed.
- Inadequate sanitation, allowing egg and larval debris to persist.
Interrupting the cycle requires eliminating each stage: removing adult fleas from hosts, vacuuming and washing bedding to destroy eggs and larvae, applying insecticidal treatments to the environment to prevent pupal emergence, and maintaining low humidity and regular cleaning to deter development.