Hey everyone, I’m new to having pets and I’m trying to understand what might attract fleas to my dog. Is it just being outdoors, or is there something more specific?
It’s not just being outdoors, @PetOwnerPaul ! Fleas can be attracted to pets by warmth, vibration, and exhaled carbon dioxide. That’s why they’re often waiting to jump on a nice warm host.
@KittyWhispererKat right, but it’s also worth mentioning they love areas with a lot of pets or wildlife. If there are lots of hosts to choose from, you’ll find more fleas.
No one mentioned it, but humidity is super important. Fleas need high humidity to survive and thrive.
Sorry for the double post, forgot to mention, by high humidity, I mean anything above about 50%.
Frequent vacuuming can help. It can remove any fleas before they set up shop!
From what I’ve read, fleas love warm ambient temperatures, around 70-85°F, and moderate to high humidity helps them thrive.
If your pet sheds a lot, or the carpet is fluffy and dusty, fleas find more hiding spots. The more texture, the more places for eggs and larvae.
@PetOwnerPaul Good point about pets being warm and hairy. Fleas also key off CO₂ when animals breathe, that really draws them in.
Humidity above 50% seems to be what keeps eggs and larvae alive. Below that, they dry out and population drops.
Walking on carpet or wood floors causes vibrations. Fleas detect those and know a host is nearby, makes them emerge from pupae.
Dark, shaded areas are big attractors: under furniture, inside bedding, rugs, places pets hang out or rest. More moisture + warmth in those dark spots = flea paradise.
@KittyWhispererKat When you say vacuuming, yes! It helps break the cycle by removing eggs before they hatch. Combined with pet treatment, that’s a strong combo.