How Do Fleas Survive?
Fleas need to stay warm to survive. In areas with warm temperatures and high humidity, they thrive. In balmy states like Florida, they can be found throughout the year. In colder areas, fleas are much less active. They may go dormant during the winter months and become active again in the early fall. Fleas also find shelter under bushes and in crawlspaces.
Fleas are parasitic insects with four stages of life. They begin as eggs and develop into larvae, pupae, and adult fleas. Their preferred hosts are pets, since they have more fur and hair than other animals. They can survive for as long as three months without a blood meal.
Fleas survive in water by taking in oxygen through the surface of their bodies. They then transport oxygen molecules to the cells in their bodies. Since fleas have high metabolic activity, they need to take in oxygen at a high rate. So, if you’re a dog or cat owner, you’ll want to make sure your home has the right conditions to avoid a flea infestation.
Flea larvae will lay eggs on the skin of their host when they first hatch. This stage usually takes five to fourteen days, but can take longer if conditions are poor. When the adult fleas are ready, they will emerge from their cocoon. These adult fleas are about one eighth of an inch long, and are reddish or black in color. They have no wings, but have long legs that enable them to jump from host to host.