As the climate around the world continues to change, various organisms will adapt in various ways. Fleas will be one of these organisms that will adapt, and they will have their own pathway to survival. After all, like most pest species, they have been extremely successful at colonizing and surviving across the entire world.
Basically, fleas go wherever humans (and their pets) go. This is the case for most pests that find sustenance near human beings. Rats have been able to move from Asia to Europe and from there the rest of the continents, simply because they have evolved to thrive in human settlements. Wherever we carry cargo, or ourselves, we carry numerous pest species that have evolved to parasitize us.
Despite our inseparable connection, fleas are mostly interested in cats and dogs. Once a flea latches on to one of these two pets, it has no real reason to let go. It can find plenty of food and cover. In fact, latching onto one of our pets is such a panacea that the flea does not even consume all of the blood it draws out. Most of it is excreted, eventually finding its way in our pets’ resting places.
Furthermore, this blood that is not consumed by the flea itself will be a bountiful meal for its brood. Female fleas can lay up to 40 eggs in a single day, and these eggs will be laid onto the host. From the host, the eggs will drop in roughly the same areas as the excreted blood. Once the eggs hatch, the small flea larva will feed on the blood droppings of its mother in safe locations, such as the fur of the host or the sofa, bed or pet area.
So how will climate change affect these pests? Well, it will ultimately depend on each geographic area, with some environments becoming unsuitable and others opening up to fleas. Fleas will also continue to latch onto human settlements and follow us around wherever we go. Basically, if an area becomes unsuitable for human habitation, fleas will also go away. However, there will be cities and states where the human population will remain, but fleas will no longer be able to survive. Overall, fleas are expected to adapt very well to the upcoming changes in temperature. This means that pest control services will still be very much needed. Contact us today if you currently have any problems with fleas.