Do Fleas Come in Groups?

Fleas are microscopic creatures that live on pets. They are tiny, wingless insects that feed on human blood. A flea bite produces a red spot on the skin and can cause swelling and blisters. The bite of a flea can also trigger allergic reactions. Allergic animals may scratch until they develop sores on their skin. Fleas can be found in about 2,500 different species worldwide. Approximately 300 species are native to the United States.

Adult fleas come out of their pupal cocoons after about a month. They emerge from the cocoon by being exposed to heat, carbon dioxide, and physical pressure. Fleas are attracted to human movement and settle on the body of the host. These insects reproduce rapidly, laying hundreds of eggs over their lifetime. Adult fleas are attracted to the hair and skin of pets, and lay their eggs on the animal’s skin. They spend most of their time in the fur and bedding of their host.

Some fleas are highly host-specific, like the cat flea. While they can infect various mammals, they are more commonly found on cats and dogs. However, some species have adapted to avian hosts recently.