Can Fleas Reproduce on Their Own?
WouterIf you have a pet, you’re probably wondering whether or not fleas can reproduce on their own. Fleas are parasitic insects that reproduce in a number of ways. During their larval stage, they grow to be about a quarter-inch long, white and legless. The larvae feed on flea droppings and human skin cells. After hatching, fleas live for about seven days in the environment before emerging as adult fleas.
Adult fleas are attracted to the blood of their host. After a few days, they can lay as many as 50 eggs per day. After a couple of weeks, their numbers will drastically decrease. Then, they will starve and die. Fortunately, there are some flea control methods that can accelerate the process.
Fleas are a common problem for pet owners. These parasitic insects feed on the blood of cats and dogs, but they will feed on humans as well. The infestation of these pests is often difficult to prevent because they can breed very quickly. Typically, adult fleas have a life span of about three months. Within this time, they lay hundreds of eggs, which is enough to start a rapid breeding cycle.
If you’re worried about fleas, vacuuming regularly is one of the best ways to control infestations. Vacuuming will remove flea eggs, and will also trigger cocooned adults to emerge. But vacuuming will also kill adult fleas, since they are incapable of reproducing without a host. And remember to keep your bed frame and sheets clean to prevent them from jumping up.
