Are flea eggs sticky?

Summary

Flea eggs are wet and sticky when laid. However, they quickly dry and become non-adherent due to their round shape and smooth shell. Once dry, the non-sticky eggs easily fall off the host. Around 60% drop into the environment within two hours of being laid.

Details

Flea Egg Shape & Texture

Cat flea eggs have an oval shape and are rounded at both ends. The chorion (outer shell) is smooth, containing very few surface structures.

No Attachment to Hair or Skin

Eggs laid by female fleas are not attached in any way to the host’s skin, fur, or feathers. It is a common misconception that fleas attach their eggs to host hair like lice do with their eggs.

Flea Eggs Dry Rapidly

Flea eggs are initially wet and sticky when they’re laid. As a result, they don’t immediately fall from the host. However, the eggs dry rapidly and become non-adherent thanks to their round shape and smooth shell. The dry eggs readily drop from the host and into the environment. Around 60% fall within two hours of being laid.

References