What caused fleas to appear in the house? - briefly
Fleas typically arrive in a residence on infected pets, wildlife, or contaminated objects such as rugs and bedding. Warm, humid indoor conditions enable rapid reproduction, resulting in an infestation.
What caused fleas to appear in the house? - in detail
Flea infestations typically originate from external sources that introduce adult insects or immature stages into indoor environments.
Domestic animals serve as the most common carrier. Dogs and cats acquire adult fleas while outdoors or during contact with other infested animals. Fleas lay eggs on the host’s fur; the eggs fall onto bedding, carpets, and furniture, where they hatch and develop.
Wild mammals such as rodents, raccoons, and squirrels frequently host fleas. When these creatures enter basements, attics, or crawl spaces, they deposit eggs and larvae that later migrate to living areas.
Secondhand furniture, mattresses, and rugs may contain dormant eggs, larvae, or pupae. Transporting such items without inspection can introduce a hidden population that emerges when conditions become favorable.
Warm, humid climates accelerate the flea life cycle. Temperatures between 20 °C and 30 °C combined with relative humidity above 50 % enable rapid development from egg to adult, allowing a small introduction to expand quickly.
Human movement contributes indirectly. Individuals who have been in infested environments can carry adult fleas on clothing or shoes, depositing them onto household surfaces.
Each of these pathways supplies the initial organisms required for an outbreak. Eliminating sources, treating pets, and maintaining low humidity are essential to interrupt the cycle.