Where Do Fleas Comes From, Hide, and Thrive?

The flea is a small and sneaky pest. They come from outdoors, hanging out on an animal host or in vegetation, depending on their life stage. Most often, fleas make their way indoors because pets catch fleas or because fleas (in any life stage) temporarily stick to shoes, clothing, or belongings that were left outside.

Luckily, fleas don’t live on humans, but they can bite people and leave itchy welts. They can also live in a home’s hidden spaces, even if no pets are present. That’s why it’s best to proactively protect your yard against fleas. Learn where fleas are normally found, where they breed, and how to prevent an infestation.

Where Do Fleas Live Outside?

During the first three stages of a flea’s life – egg, larva, and pupa – it will live in damp, shady, and hidden areas, such as in grass or leaves. During the adult phase, a flea must find a warm-blooded host to live on.

Because fleas spend three phases of their lifecycle detached from hosts, simply removing fleas from your pet will not be enough to stop a flea infestation, as the pests can easily find their way back into your home.

Where Do Fleas Live Inside the House? 

Fleas hide indoors on textured surfaces like carpet, bedding, clothing, and upholstery. These surfaces are especially good hiding spots for flea larvae, which burrow into dark areas. Eggs may be present in any of these areas, too. Fleas may also live temporarily in hidden spots like crevices under trim or floor mats of dog crates.

During all this sneaking around, where do fleas breed? They breed and lay eggs on the skin and fur of their blood host, as well as in the areas where the animal frequents, such as dog beds.

Can Fleas Live Without a Host?

Adult fleas can survive for up to three months without feeding on a host. They eventually need a warm-blooded host to survive and reproduce. Animals with thick or long fur are the best hosts for fleas, giving them something to nestle into easily.

Although fleas may look small, they are mighty and can jump up to 100 times their height. They jump onto a host and latch on tight.

Where Are Fleas Found on a Host?

Fleas usually burrow into smaller crevices on animals, making it harder for the animal to gnaw or itch the fleas away. These areas include the abdomen, under limbs, and in joints.

If your pet is continually biting and scratching its skin, losing fur, or getting red bumps on its skin, they may have fleas. Protect your dog and/or cat from these pests with guidance and medication from your veterinarian.

How to Keep Fleas Out of Your Yard

Nip the problem in the bud before you and your furry friends have a flea infestation. These are helpful ways to avoid or control fleas in your yard:

• Mowing often. Fleas prefer to hide in tall grasses to avoid hot sunlight.
• Not overwatering. Humid environments make the perfect space for fleas to thrive; you can reduce those environments by letting your yard dry out after watering it. The best lawn watering frequency depends on your grass type, climate, and weather patterns.
• Getting a barrier treatment spray. Your local Mosquito Squad will protect your yard from unwanted bugs with a specialized barrier treatment that kills and controls bugs for up to 21 days.
• Removing grass and leaf piles. Damp and shady areas offer protection to young fleas. Keeping leaf litter tidied up reduces the chances that your yard will attract fleas.
• Trimming overgrown foliage. Overgrown trees or shrubs provide extra shade for fleas to thrive under. Enjoy more sun with the help of Monster Tree Service, another Authority Brands company, through their tree trimming and pruning services.

Whether you’ve noticed fleas lurking in your yard, it’s essential to protect your property against unwanted bugs before they become a problem. Our squad will protect your outdoor space so you can enjoy your yard without worrying about fleas and other bugs secretly catching a ride inside. Contact us today for a free quote, or call Mosquito Squad at (877) 332-2239.