Can Fleas Eat Food?
WouterYou’ve probably wondered, “Can fleas eat food?” And while the answer to that question might be a resounding yes, you shouldn’t be alarmed. Fleas are parasites that feed on blood. They use their hook and latch system to latch onto a host’s blood vessels. As they feed, they’ll pounce and suck blood from the host. Their mouthparts have sharp blades that tear flesh and they use a straw-like structure to slurp up blood.
Fleas are a nuisance not only for your pets, but for your entire family, including your children. Prevention and control are your best defense against these pesky pests. Fleas thrive in warm climates, and they are even capable of surviving in heated homes during winter. Adult fleas are about 1/8 inch long and have reddish brown bodies. Their long, flat legs allow them to jump quickly.
Fleas are notoriously hungry and can consume up to 15 times their own body weight in blood. They can also drink up to 13 microliters of blood in a single day. They aren’t shy about eating either, and their larvae often consume as much as adults. They also feed on decaying plant matter and dead skin cells.
Adult fleas live about a year in good conditions. They can survive being deprived of food for weeks. Female fleas lay up to 40 eggs a day and can lay as many as 1,085 eggs in their lifetime. Flea eggs aren’t sticky and fall into carpets, wood floor planks, pet bedding, grass, and other surfaces.
