Why do fleas bite animals? - briefly
Fleets require blood as a source of protein and nutrients essential for growth and egg production. They locate hosts by sensing body heat, carbon‑dioxide, and movement, which triggers the biting behavior.
Why do fleas bite animals? - in detail
Fleas require blood to complete their life cycle. Adult females ingest a blood meal to develop eggs, while males feed to sustain activity. The bite is a mechanical action: the flea inserts its piercing‑sucking mouthparts into the host’s skin, releases saliva containing anticoagulants, and draws blood. Saliva also contains enzymes that suppress the host’s immediate immune response, allowing the insect to feed longer.
The feeding process triggers several physiological reactions in the animal:
- Histamine release: Salivary proteins act as allergens, prompting mast cells to release histamine, which causes itching and inflammation.
- Localized swelling: Fluid accumulation around the puncture site results from increased vascular permeability.
- Potential pathogen transmission: Some flea species carry bacteria (e.g., Yersinia pestis) or parasites that can be introduced during feeding.
Flea feeding behavior is driven by environmental cues. Warmth, carbon dioxide, and movement signal a suitable host. Once a flea locates a target, it jumps onto the animal, searches for a thin spot of skin, and begins repeated bites to secure enough blood for egg production. The frequency of bites correlates with the flea’s reproductive stage; gravid females feed more often to meet the high nutritional demand of egg development.
Control measures focus on interrupting this blood‑feeding cycle. Removing adult fleas, treating the host with insecticidal agents, and eliminating environmental reservoirs (bedding, carpets, outdoor habitats) reduce opportunities for the insects to obtain meals, thereby breaking the reproductive loop.