How long can a flea go without food? - briefly
Adult fleas typically survive about 48–72 hours without a blood meal, extending to roughly a week under optimal humidity and temperature. Larval stages can persist for several weeks without feeding, relying on stored reserves.
How long can a flea go without food? - in detail
Fleas are obligate hematophages, meaning they rely on blood meals for energy. An adult flea can endure a period without feeding that depends on temperature, humidity, and species. Under optimal conditions (moderate temperature around 20‑25 °C and relative humidity above 70 %), an adult may survive 2–3 days without a blood source. In cooler, drier environments, metabolic demand drops, extending survival to 4–5 days. Extreme cold or heat shortens the window, sometimes to less than 24 hours.
Larval stages do not require blood. They feed on organic debris, adult feces, and desiccated blood. A larva can persist for several weeks without a fresh food supply, provided the substrate retains moisture. The exact duration varies by species but commonly ranges from 10 to 30 days.
Eggs hatch within 2–5 days after being laid, contingent on environmental conditions. During this interval, the embryo relies on yolk reserves and does not ingest external nutrients.
Key factors influencing starvation tolerance:
- Temperature: Lower temperatures reduce metabolic rate, prolonging survival.
- Humidity: High humidity prevents desiccation, especially critical for larvae.
- Species: Cat‑fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) tend to survive slightly longer without a meal than dog‑fleas (Ctenocephalides canis).
- Life stage: Adults have the shortest starvation window; larvae have the longest; eggs are self‑sufficient until hatching.
Overall, an adult flea typically endures up to five days without a blood meal, while larvae may remain viable for weeks, and eggs rely on internal reserves until emergence.