Are Fleas Good For the Environment?

Fleas have always been around. They evolved from their ancestors about 125 million years ago. Their main role is to maintain the population of a particular animal. If it were to go extinct, the resulting diseases would cause the animal to produce fewer fleas. The good news is that fleas are a beneficial part of the environment, and they can help reduce disease.

The flea’s life cycle begins with the pupa stage, which is the most environmentally-resistant stage. This stage can survive two percent RH and temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it cannot survive freezing temperatures. At 37 F, a flea can survive for only a few days. Similarly, at 33 F, the flea can only survive five days. In a humid environment, adults emerge from the pupae in five days. However, in cooler climates, fleas can survive in the pupae stage for up to 174 days.

Changing climate patterns can alter the parasite’s niche space and increase the number of species. Such changes can negatively affect the ecology and cause habitat loss and range shifts. These changes in climate also cause changes in reproductive rates and population size and can encourage primary extinctions. Because of this, it is imperative to conserve the host habitat of the ectoparasite. However, climate change also affects the off-host environment.

Outdoor flea populations are usually the most abundant in coastal areas with moderate daytime temperatures and relatively high humidity. However, flea populations can also be found in areas that are protected from the sun. Therefore, outdoor flea control is critical.