Where Does Fleas Hide?

If you have a pet, then the first place to start your quest for eliminating fleas is by thoroughly cleaning all bedding and carpeting in the home. Fleas are known to hide in moist, shady spots, such as in trees and under leafy shrubs. They don’t like open grass, so by trimming shrubs and grasses, you’re helping to limit their habitat.

To identify where fleas are hiding in your home, you’ll need to know what their life cycle looks like. They start out as larvae, which spin a cocoon in which they live for about five months. After that, they develop into a pupa and eventually an adult. Fleas spend as much as five months in this stage, but will only emerge from their cocoons if they see a passing animal.

Once inside your home, fleas often take up residence in bedding and mattresses. They can also take up residence in upholstered furniture, such as couches and sofas. If your pets frequently scratch themselves or are nervous, this could be a sign of flea infestation. Once the flea population grows and multiplies, they can be difficult to control and eliminate.

If you suspect flea infestation, check your bed, mattress, and box spring. Also check the headboard and wood frame of your bed. You can also look under your pet’s clothes. Check for flea eggs, larvae, and adults.