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How Long Can Fleas Live in Carpet?

2 white lab puppies playing with a small girl on carpet

If you have a pet, such as a dog or a cat, you are likely to have fleas as well. They are difficult to notice with the human eye because they are so minute, but they may cause a lot of trouble for you and your pets. While most people believe fleas exclusively dwell on their dogs, the truth is that fleas prefer to hide under carpets as well. Keep reading to know more about how long can fleas live on the carpet.

We know fleas can live for a long time on a dog, but what out people? Check out our article, How Long Do Fleas Live on Humans? to learn more.

How Long Can Fleas Live on the Carpet Without a Host?

You might expect 20-30 eggs each day when a female flea begins laying eggs on a host such as your dog or cat. As the eggs dry, they fall from your pet and collect on the carpet. Fleas go through four phases in their life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Adult fleas, despite their ability to leap, seldom move large distances without a host.

Fleas prefer to wait for an opportunity to pounce on a passing animal. Once they find a host, they stay until the animal is removed or groomed. Adult fleas only live a few days to two weeks without a host. Fleas live an average of 8 days on short-haired cats and dogs, while they live longer on long-haired animals.

According to The Healthy Dog, fleas can live almost anywhere because they are so small. Although fleas may die out in the winter in some colder areas, they are sadly a year-round nuisance for humans and their pets in the majority of situations. They can be found in almost any place in your home since there is no way of knowing where flea eggs may be shed. Fleas might be there and seeking a meal whether you are sitting at your workstation in your den, resting in bed watching television, or enjoying a meal in your kitchen.

Fleas’ days are numbered if they discover themselves in an empty house. They will most likely only live a few days because there will be no pets or humans nearby.

How Long Can Fleas Live on the Carpet Without Pets?

beige carpet being vaccumed

According to Be Chewy, Flea eggs don’t stick to your pet’s fur as well as fleas do, so they tend to fall off in locations where your pet hangs out. The first place you should examine is your pet’s bed, as well as any other places your pet is permitted to sleep, such as sofas, chairs, or your bed. Flea eggs are little, off-white ovals that might be difficult to spot on light-colored furniture and rugs. You may need to use a magnifying instrument, such as a magnifying glass or the magnifying feature on your phone.

Fleas can survive in your carpet for up to three months in most situations. However, if no steps are taken to get rid of them and they have you to feed on, they will be able to remain in this environment, reproduce, and never go away.

How Can You Tell if there are Fleas on Your Carpet?

beagle scratching his chin with his hind foot white sitting on a rug

If you detect fleas on your pet, this is an evident indicator that you may have a flea infestation. Check their fur, especially around their head, neck, and hindquarters, since fleas like to feed on these regions.

Flea bites can cause reddened skin and hair loss, and even if you don’t see the insects, you could detect tiny black pepper-like spots on your skin, which are a telltale indicator that fleas are present. Give the black specks a swipe with a moist white paper towel or cloth. It’s flea filth if the towel has red streaks.

Fleas frequently lay eggs in rugs, so gently run your hands over your carpet, seeking eggs between the strands. They can be difficult to spot unless you have dark carpeting, so look carefully with a magnifying glass.

Fleas eat and live on your pet, depositing eggs in their fur and leaving flea filth behind. Check your pet’s fur for fleas and examine the skin for any symptoms of irritation (using a fine-tooth flea comb).

Will Removing Carpet Get Rid of Fleas?

overhead view of a man in overalls rolling up carpet off of hardwood floors

If your carpet has a flea infestation that is resistant to any of the previous procedures, it may be essential to replace the entire carpet. That is especially true if you have a pet that gets fleas regularly. It will be much easier to maintain and prevent the infestation from recurring if the carpet is removed as soon as possible and replaced with another flooring material.

Pre-existing allergies or asthma to dust mites, animal dander, and other allergens typically present in carpets are another reason for carpet removal. If even the greatest cleaning and flea treatment procedures aren’t enough to get rid of the fleas and particles in your carpet, it’s time to replace it.

You flea bombed your house, but you think you still may have fleas? Check out our post How Long Do Fleas Live After Bombing? to find out just how long fleas live after you bomb.

Can Fleas Lay Eggs on Carpet?

a flea with eggs isolated on a white background

Fleas deposit their eggs on their hosts. The majority of fleas in cats dwell around the neck. They’re more common around the hips on dogs. Flea eggs aren’t adhesive, so they’ll fall out of the animal’s fur rather quickly. The eggs collect in locations where pets sleep, such as carpets.

The majority of immature fleas in households dwell in carpet fibers. For eggs and larvae, carpeting produces a near-ideal microhabitat. They are shielded from sunshine, airflow, suction, and pesticides by the canopy. It also serves as a food source for larvae.

Flea eggs accumulate in places where pets spend the majority of their time, such as bedrooms and living rooms. Eggs accumulate in locations where dogs or cats lie, such as along the side of a bed or sofa, in these rooms.

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