Here's a breakdown of their habitat:
On the host:
* Fur: Fleas primarily live in the fur of their host, where they can easily access blood meals.
* Skin: They prefer to lay their eggs in the crevices of the skin, especially near the tail, neck, and back.
Off the host:
* Carpets and rugs: These provide a warm, dark, and moist environment for fleas to lay eggs and develop.
* Bedding: Pet beds, blankets, and cushions are common flea hiding places.
* Cracks and crevices: Fleas can hide in the cracks and crevices of flooring, furniture, and even walls.
* Yard and garden: Fleas can live in areas with tall grass, dense vegetation, and shaded areas.
* Dust and debris: Flea eggs and larvae can survive in dust and debris, making these areas potential breeding grounds.
Conditions for optimal flea survival:
* Temperature: Fleas thrive in temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (21°C to 29°C).
* Humidity: Fleas need a certain level of humidity to survive.
* Darkness: Fleas prefer dark environments to hide from predators.
* Access to food: Fleas need a blood meal to survive and reproduce.
Remember: Fleas can live off the host for a significant amount of time, making it crucial to treat the environment as well as the dog to effectively control a flea infestation.