Each species of flea, however, usually feeds on a limited number of specific animals. In North Carolina, the cat flea is the most common pest of cats, dogs, and the most common annoyance to man. Sticktight fleas are occasionally found damaging poultry. Constant biting and scratching by infested animals causes the skin to be irritated. Young chickens and other poultry may even be killed by heavy sticktight flea infestations.
Females deposit eggs on the host a few at a time.
Eggs usually fall off host animals and hatch in 2 to 14 days. Larvae generally feed on organic matter such as excrement from adult fleas and domestic animals. Immature fleas can develop indoors in carpeting and overstuffed furniture. After 1 to 5 weeks, larvae spin cocoons and pupate. Under favorable conditions, a new generation of adults emerges 1 to 3 weeks later.