Do Fleas Need Blood to Survive?
WouterIf you have a cat or dog, you might be wondering: Do fleas need blood to survive? In their natural habitat, fleas prefer feeding on the blood of warm-bodied animals, such as cats and dogs. But in areas with high flea populations, fleas can also feed on human blood. Human blood contains proteins, which fleas need to survive.
Fleas need a blood meal to reproduce and lay eggs. The eggs are laid 36 to 48 hours after the female flea feeds on blood. Female fleas can lay as many as 40 or 50 eggs per day, depending on the number of hosts they find. They prefer a temperature of 65 oF, high humidity, and shaded areas. Once they hatch, flea larvae begin feeding and changing into adult fleas in 5 days.
Adult fleas need a host to survive. If they are removed from their host, they die within two to 14 days. Once they start feeding, they are completely dependent on the host. But fleas do not need blood when they are in their larval stage. After hatching, flea larvae feed on organic debris for a few weeks, after which they will develop into adult fleas.
Fleas are a nuisance pest that are primarily found in animals. Cats and dogs can pick up fleas from other animals in the wild, and fleas can easily transfer from one animal to another. They can also breed quickly and can quickly become an infestation on your pet. They can also infest your carpet, furniture, and bedding.
