Why do fleas appear in a house? - briefly
Fleas are introduced by infested animals, wildlife, or contaminated items that carry adult insects seeking a blood source and shelter. Their eggs, larvae, and pupae thrive in carpeting, bedding, and floor seams, allowing the colony to persist indoors.
Why do fleas appear in a house? - in detail
Fleas enter homes primarily because they seek blood meals and favorable environments for development.
Adult fleas locate a host by sensing carbon dioxide, heat, and movement. When a pet or human provides these cues, the insects jump onto the body and begin feeding. After feeding, females lay eggs on the host’s fur or in surrounding areas; the eggs soon fall off and accumulate in carpets, bedding, cracks, and upholstery.
Eggs hatch into larvae within two to ten days, depending on temperature and humidity. Larvae feed on organic debris, including adult flea feces (which contain partially digested blood), skin flakes, and mold. They hide in dark, moist locations to avoid desiccation and predation.
Larvae spin cocoons and undergo pupation, a stage that can last from a few days to several months. Pupae remain dormant until environmental cues—such as vibrations, carbon dioxide, or increased temperature—signal the presence of a potential host, prompting emergence as adult fleas.
Key factors that facilitate infestation include:
- Presence of pets or wildlife that carry adult fleas into the residence.
- Warm, humid indoor conditions that accelerate egg hatching and larval development.
- Accumulation of organic debris in carpets, pet bedding, and cracks that serves as food for larvae.
- Inadequate cleaning or infrequent vacuuming, allowing eggs and larvae to persist.
Preventive measures focus on breaking the life cycle: regular grooming and treatment of animals, thorough cleaning of floors and fabrics, maintaining low indoor humidity, and using approved insecticidal products where necessary.