How Far Can Fleas Travel in a House?
Fleas are incredibly resilient insects, and they can survive for over a year in the right conditions. Flea eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on organic matter. The larvae will then remain hidden in organic debris for a couple of weeks before advancing to the pupa stage. This stage will allow the fleas to hide from predators and remain dormant for long periods of time. Once the pupae have matured, they will emerge as adult fleas. The adults then feed on the host, mate, and lay eggs.
Fleas can travel throughout a house on people’s clothing and the furnishings in the house. You should also inspect the carpet, couches, and beds for signs of fleas. If you find any signs of fleas, don’t touch them as they may carry diseases.
Keeping the home clean and dust-free will help keep fleas at bay. Vacuuming the carpets and rugs is one of the most important steps in keeping the home free of fleas. Fleas prefer cool and humid places, so make sure to keep these areas clean and dry.
Adult female fleas lay eggs while attached to a host. They can lay up to 500 eggs during their lifetime. After laying their eggs, fleas usually drop off the host and land wherever they fall. Flea eggs do not remain dormant long and can hatch into larvae in less than two weeks.