What's the Purpose of Fleas?

Fleas are parasites that live externally on the bodies of mammals. Fleas survive on blood and spread diseases that can be fatal. The life cycle of fleas is similar to that of a butterfly. Female fleas lay eggs that turn into larvae in the early stages of development, which turns into pupae. Fleas then settle inside of a cocoon that eventually opens up for fleas to begin their life sucking blood.

  1. Facts

    • Fleas have existed for millions of years. They live on mammals, pets and other household items.

      Adult fleas average one-eighth of an inch in size. Their bodies are flat and have sharp mouths that help them suck blood. Fleas live up to six to 12 months. In that time, fleas can produce millions of offspring. Some species of fleas can jump up to 3 feet.

    Purpose

    • Fleas, like other parasites, are a part of the food chain and often host on unhealthy animals. Fleas found their own niche in the ecological system, which is to seek out mammals to feed on.

    Diseases

    • Fleas carry many diseases and can, if left to their host, cause death. The following conditions can be passed on to humans:

      Cat scratch fever can be passed from cat to cat and possibly the cat's owner. Cat scratch fever happens when a flea leaves its feces on a cat's body, which results in itching. The blood exposed can travel to other cats.

      Typhus is a condition that fleas spread after feeding on rats.

      Bubonic plague spreads after a flea feeds on an infected animal with plague.

      Fleas act as hosts of tapeworm, and infected fleas can pass tapeworms to humans.

    Getting Rid of Fleas

    • Fleas can exist on your pets or in a home in all life cycle stages. To get rid of fleas, you can remove fleas yourself with chemicals or you can hire pest control professionals. Various ways to exterminate fleas include: containment, special shampoo products, vacuuming, flea bombs and other chemicals.