Where do fleas come from?

Question

I know how they get on animals but where exactly do they come from or where do they live before they get on an animal. Also, can they live on humans?

Answer 1

fleas come from pretty much the outdoors to the best of my knowledge. i had a cat that never went outside and he never got fleas but then i got one that was a indoor/outdoor cat and then they both had fleas!! poor kitties :(

Answer 2

They can live on humans, but we don't taste as good and don't have fur to keep the fleas warm, plus regular bathing makes us a bad host. Usually people only have fleas if they are homeless or their house and pets are so overrun that the fleas are so hungry as to seek out humans. The eggs fall off of animals and hatch on the ground and in carpeting, then when they hatch the larvae feed on flea poop down in the rug (gross I know). When the larvae become adults, then they need to feed on blood, and they jump on the first furry object that crosses their path. That's why you have to treat the house too, not just the dog. Sometimes you will come home from vacation or walk into an apartment that's been empty for a while, you'll get mobbed because all the eggs and larvae have grown into adulthood and are very hungry.

Answer 3

Outdoor sources for fleas are quite rare. Only few areas provide the conditions for flea development outdoors. Similarly rare is the occurence of fleas changing hosts.


Most fleas develop inside homes and the environment where dogs and cats spend most of their time!.

Flea eggs drop off the pet's fur and develop to larvae, pupae and finally into adult fleas on the sofa, in the carpet, in floor cracks, under the kitchen table and even in the pet owners bed! This is the reason why a continous re-infestation of your cat and/or dog originates from their own living area.

Dog fleas and mites are parasites. They will live on pretty much anything that breathes and has blood. However there isn't much area on a human where the flea(s) would find a safe home. Which is why they prefer dogs.
(Flea fact: If you happen to spot one flea chances are that within a few days there will be close to 200. One flea can lay upwards of 200 eggs.)

Answer 4

Where Do Fleas Come From

Answer 5

Adult fleas live on your pets, unless they either live indoors and are never exposed to a flea-infested place, or are given regular preventative treatment, using either a spray-on or spot-on treatment, such as Frontline, Stronghold or Advocate.

The eggs are dropped to the ground from the hair of the infected animal, and will either mature there, or remain dormant until conditions are optimal. This happens both outdoors and in, which is why an infested pet can infest your whole home, and also why a pet who has access to the great outdoors will be vulnerable to infestation.

As they mature, fleas will hop onto any host they can find: they cannot actually live on humans, as we don't have the nice fur growth they need to make themselves really comfortable, but they can and will hop on and off, taking little feeds from us, as they search for a permanent host (ie. our pets!)

If a flea-infested animal has been in the home, it is necessary to clear all areas, remove humans and pets therefrom for the duration of the treatment, and use an anti-flea carpet treatment all over the house. These contain chemicals which kill existing fleas, and can prevent the maturation of new ones for up to 12 months in some cases. You need to check the product you are using to check how long it can last.

Fleas are extremely tough, recalcitrant beggars, and a single female can populate an area in no time. the females are hermaphrodites, and don't even need a male one to start things off! Be vigilant! Fleas are among the most horrid species of animal in existance, imo!

Answer 6

Most fleas develop inside homes and the environment where dogs and cats spend most of their time. If your pet has fleas:flea eggs drop off the pet's fur, develop into larvae,pupae,and then into adult fleas. They are EVERYWHERE-on the sofa, in the carpet, in the floor cracks, and even in your bed! At least once a month consider getting flea medicine from your vet to put on the pet, so you won't have an infestation. (Yes, fleas can live on humans)

Answer 7

From Mama fleas :) Fleas live in your rug and on your pets. Even if you kill the fleas if you don't kill the eggs they will be right back. The eggs can lie dormant for a long time if no food source is available. I know Sevein Dust will kill the fleas. Your local Feed and Grain will have dips for your pet and chems to kill the eggs.

Answer 8

Fleas do not live on the animals. They live in your carpet, in the dirt, in your furniture and so on. They are only on the animal and human long enough to feed and then they jump off. And yes, the population of fleas can be overwhelming, especially since they hatch a new batch every three days.

Answer 9

they come from the ground/grass thats why animals get them because they are in the ground and they jump on the animals, yes they can live on humans, but to get rid of them if they are in your house get a lamp a bowl of soapy water and put it on the floor let it sit for a few days and the fleas jump right in, also get the bug catching tape and put it around the bowl they will jump in that too. also spray the ground every few days with flea killer stuff so they will not jump on the animals as easy.

Answer 10

They can also live on humans yes, hygenie has little to do with it. They breed in damp places and in grasses. They transfer easily from one mammal to another and can survive in most any surface that is upholstered or in clothes. Where do they come from? Eggs, if you're looking for more of their place of origin, I can't tell you other then that they are quoted vermin all over the world for 1000's of years.