There are four phases in the life cycle of a flea: the egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Understanding these phases is essential for efficient flea control. Our team at The Dead Pest Society is well-versed in the flea life cycle and can provide you with the services you need to eliminate your flea issue. Keep reading to learn about the flea life cycle and common flea behaviors.
An adult female flea lays eggs on the host animal to start the life cycle. These eggs often tumble off the host into the surrounding area since they are not adhesive. After hatching, larvae seek out dark, concealed areas to live, like bedding, floor cracks, and carpet strands. Entering the pupa stage, the flea forms a silk cocoon around itself. Depending on the surroundings, fleas in the pupa stage may stay inactive for a few days or even months. As they reach the adult stage, fleas will sense heat, carbon dioxide, or vibrations that encourage them to break free of the cocoon they created. At this point, understanding their behaviors is crucial for effective flea control.
- Feeding Behaviors: Adult fleas can ingest up to fifteen times their body weight in blood. Numerous animals, including dogs, cats, rodents, and birds, can become infested with fleas.
- Leaping Capacity: Fleas are well known for having extraordinary leaping capabilities, allowing them to migrate between hosts with ease.
- Sensory Adaptations: Fleas possess highly developed sensory adaptations, which allow them to seek hosts by utilizing environmental cues, including vibrations, heat, and carbon dioxide emissions.
- Reproduction: Fleas tend to breed quickly. Once established, flea infestations are difficult to manage due to their quick reproduction cycle. This is why you need an experienced team to help when you have issues with flea control.
Understanding the behavior of fleas, as well as their life cycle, helps our team provide effective, long-lasting flea control solutions. Contact us today to learn more.