Where Do Fleas Come From?

Fleas are a common pest found on animals and humans, warranting various kinds of pest treatments to kill them. They are a parasitic insect that causes intense itching in their hosts. However, not everyone knows where fleas come from and how they are transferred between hosts. Continue reading to learn more about the spread of fleas and pest control near Pleasanton, CA . flea - prevention

Infested Wildlife

One of the most common areas one might find fleas are on outdoor wildlife. Opossums, feral dogs and cats, raccoons, coyotes, and skunks are some of the common hosts that carry fleas. As the fleas congregate on the hosts’ bodies, they lay eggs. The wildlife hosts will walk throughout their environment, including an urban area, and the flea eggs will fall as the animals walk. Once the eggs become larvae and hatch from their cocoons, the adult fleas will jump on other animals nearby. Rarely do adult fleas transfer from host to host; this type of pest infestation typically occurs from dropped eggs.

Covered Habitats

When fleas are found, they are typically found in a shaded area. This area might be under a porch or deck where wild animals may congregate. Domestic cats and dogs can have fleas after laying down beneath a bush or other shaded area in their own backyard. Fleas and their eggs can only survive on a host or in a covered area. Sunny areas of a yard cannot support flea eggs and larvae.

Infested Buildings

Though it may be rare for an adult flea to transfer from one host to another, the eggs dropped by adult fleas can infest a nearby animal. If a domestic pet has been kenneled at a location that previously had a flea-infested animal, then the pet could easily become infested with fleas. The same goes for a home that has dormant fleas; new animals introduced to the area may soon have fleas. No matter the circumstance, if fleas are suspected, then commercial or residential pest control should be notified soon to perform a proper pest extermination.