Where do fleas lay their eggs? - briefly
Flea ova are deposited on the host’s fur or in nearby environments such as bedding, carpets, and floor cracks. The eggs hatch within days, and the larvae develop in the same microhabitats where the eggs were laid.
Where do fleas lay their eggs? - in detail
Fleas reproduce after a blood meal; the engorged female moves away from the host to deposit her eggs. The eggs are minute, white, and lack adhesive properties, allowing them to drop from the adult’s abdomen onto nearby surfaces.
Typical deposition sites include:
- Fur, skin folds, or the immediate vicinity of the host where eggs can fall onto the ground.
- Bedding, carpets, and upholstery in environments frequented by the host.
- Cracks, crevices, and gaps in flooring or furniture that retain moisture and provide protection.
- Litter boxes, kennels, or animal shelters where humidity and temperature remain stable.
Selection of these locations depends on several factors:
- Ambient temperature between 20 °C and 30 °C accelerates embryonic development.
- Relative humidity around 70 % prevents desiccation of the eggs.
- Proximity to a blood source ensures rapid hatching of larvae and immediate access to food.
- Shelter from grooming actions and mechanical disturbance increases egg survival.
Eggs hatch within 2–5 days under optimal conditions, releasing larvae that immediately seek organic debris for nourishment. Because eggs are not attached to the host, most are found in the surrounding environment rather than on the animal itself.
Effective control measures target these deposition sites: thorough vacuuming of carpets and upholstery, washing bedding at high temperatures, and maintaining low humidity levels reduce egg survival and interrupt the flea life cycle.