How long do fleas and their larvae live? - briefly
Adult fleas generally live 2–3 weeks on a host, but can survive several months in a dormant state when unfed. Their larvae develop for approximately 5–10 days before forming pupae.
How long do fleas and their larvae live? - in detail
Fleas progress through four distinct phases, each with a characteristic duration that depends on temperature, humidity, and access to a blood meal.
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Egg stage – Females deposit 20‑50 eggs on the host or in the surrounding environment. Under optimal conditions (21‑27 °C, 70‑80 % humidity) eggs hatch in 1‑2 days. Cooler or drier settings can extend this period to 3‑4 days.
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Larval stage – The six-legged larvae feed on organic debris, adult flea feces, and fungal spores. Development typically lasts 5‑11 days. If the environment is warm and moist, the stage may complete in as few as 4 days; low humidity or low temperature can prolong it to 2‑3 weeks.
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Pupal stage – Larvae spin silken cocoons and become pupae. The transformation into an adult generally requires 5‑10 days. Pupae are capable of entering a dormant state (a “pupal window”) when conditions are unfavorable, remaining quiescent for several months until a suitable host triggers emergence.
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Adult stage – Newly emerged fleas are immediately capable of feeding. After the first blood meal, an adult can live 2‑3 months, with the potential to survive up to 6 months if host access is continuous. In the absence of a blood source, adults may persist for 1‑2 weeks, relying on stored energy reserves.
Temperature accelerates all phases; at 30 °C development can be compressed by up to 30 %. Conversely, temperatures below 10 °C markedly slow or halt progression, especially during the pupal stage. High humidity (≥70 %) favors larval survival, while dry conditions increase mortality.
In summary, from egg deposition to the end of the adult’s reproductive period, the complete flea life cycle ranges from approximately 2 weeks (under ideal warm, humid conditions) to several months when environmental factors induce dormancy. Adult fleas themselves survive several weeks without feeding but can remain viable for up to half a year when continuously nourished.