Fleas Need Blood to Lay Eggs

During their life cycle, fleas need blood to lay their eggs. After they’ve taken a blood meal, female fleas can lay eggs, which are tiny white objects. These eggs are laid in clusters of 20 or more, and a single adult flea can lay as many as 40 eggs per day. The eggs are then dispersed by the pet as the pet moves, and represent up to 50% of the flea population in an average home.

Flea eggs develop and hatch in two to two weeks. The temperature and relative humidity of the environment determine whether the egg hatches, and a cold or dry environment will delay hatching. After hatching, flea larvae feed on organic debris and predigested blood.

Adult fleas will only feed on blood if they intend to lay eggs. During the early stages, they feed on organic debris that can be found on the host’s skin. After the eggs hatch, fleas will feed on organic debris that remains on their prey’s skin.

Although the eggs are discarded, fleas will continue to feed on humans and pets to survive. Adult fleas will bite humans and pets to get blood and lay their eggs. Fleas can penetrate the skin of any animal, but dogs and cats are preferred by most fleas.