Why do fleas infest a house? - briefly
Fleas enter homes seeking blood meals from pets or occupants, attracted by warm, humid conditions and the presence of animal bedding or debris. Their life cycle completes indoors when eggs, larvae, and pupae find suitable shelter and food sources.
Why do fleas infest a house? - in detail
Fleas appear in homes when conditions allow their life cycle to continue uninterrupted. Adult female fleas require a blood meal from a warm‑blooded host to produce eggs. When a pet or a human is bitten, the flea deposits up to 50 eggs in a few days. These eggs fall onto carpets, bedding, or cracks in flooring, where they hatch into larvae within 2–5 days.
Larvae feed on organic debris, including adult flea feces (which contain partially digested blood), skin flakes, and mold. A moist, dark environment with temperatures between 70 °F and 85 °F accelerates larval development. After roughly a week, larvae spin cocoons and enter the pupal stage. Pupae remain dormant until vibrations, carbon dioxide, or increased temperature signal a nearby host, prompting emergence as adult fleas.
Key factors that promote infestation:
- Presence of a suitable host – dogs, cats, or humans provide the necessary blood meals.
- Environmental humidity – relative humidity above 50 % prevents desiccation of eggs and larvae.
- Temperature stability – indoor climates that stay within the optimal range support rapid development.
- Accumulated debris – carpet fibers, upholstery, and pet bedding retain organic matter that larvae consume.
- Lack of regular cleaning – infrequent vacuuming, washing, or pest control allows eggs and pupae to persist.
Interrupting the cycle requires eliminating each stage:
- Treat pets with veterinary‑approved flea preventatives to stop adult feeding and egg laying.
- Wash bedding, blankets, and pet accessories in hot water (≥130 °F) to kill eggs and larvae.
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, and cracks daily; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
- Reduce indoor humidity with dehumidifiers or proper ventilation.
- Apply an indoor insecticide or a growth‑inhibitor spray to target larvae and pupae in hidden areas.
When these measures are applied consistently, the population collapses within two to three weeks, preventing re‑infestation.