How long can a flea live? - briefly
Adult fleas usually survive between 12 and 14 weeks, while their immature stages last a few weeks, giving a total lifespan of roughly two to three months under favorable conditions.
How long can a flea live? - in detail
Flea lifespan varies across developmental stages and environmental conditions. Eggs hatch within 2–5 days, producing larvae that feed on organic debris for 5–11 days. Pupation lasts 1–2 weeks, extending to several months if the adult host is absent. Adult fleas survive between 2 weeks and 3 months, depending on temperature, humidity, and access to blood meals.
Key factors influencing adult longevity:
- Temperature: At 21 °C (70 °F) adults typically live 2–3 months; at 30 °C (86 °F) lifespan shortens to 1–2 weeks.
- Humidity: Relative humidity above 70 % supports longer survival; dry conditions (<40 %) reduce lifespan to a few days.
- Host availability: Regular blood meals can extend adult life to the upper range; starvation limits survival to 48–72 hours.
- Species: Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea) averages 2–3 months, whereas Pulex irritans (human flea) may survive up to 6 months under optimal conditions.
In laboratory settings with constant temperature (25 °C) and 75 % humidity, adult fleas have recorded maximum lifespans of 100 days. Field observations show most individuals die within 30–45 days due to environmental fluctuations and predation.
Overall, the complete life cycle—from egg to death of the adult—can span from 2 weeks (under adverse conditions) to over 4 months (under ideal, stable environments).