How long do fleas live in a house? - briefly
Adult fleas typically survive two to three weeks in a home without feeding, extending to about four weeks when they obtain regular blood meals. Their eggs hatch within a few days, and larvae develop over one to two weeks before emerging as adults.
How long do fleas live in a house? - in detail
Fleas that establish themselves inside a dwelling complete their life cycle in roughly two to three weeks under optimal conditions, but individual adults may survive for several months if they find a reliable blood source and suitable temperature and humidity.
The developmental sequence consists of egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs are deposited on the host or in the surrounding environment; they hatch within 2‑5 days. Larvae feed on organic debris and mature in 5‑11 days, then spin a cocoon and enter the pupal stage. Pupae remain dormant for 5‑10 days, but can extend this period to weeks or months when conditions are unfavorable. Adult fleas emerge from the cocoon, seek a host, and begin feeding. After the initial blood meal, adults can live 2‑3 weeks without a host, but with continuous access to blood they may persist for up to 100 days, and in some cases longer.
Factors that affect indoor flea longevity:
- Temperature: 70‑85 °F (21‑29 °C) accelerates development; temperatures below 50 °F (10 °C) or above 95 °F (35 °C) increase mortality.
- Relative humidity: 50‑70 % humidity supports egg and larval survival; extreme dryness or excess moisture reduces survival rates.
- Host availability: Regular feeding on mammals (pets, humans) extends adult lifespan; lack of blood reduces it sharply.
- Sanitation: Accumulation of flea debris, shed skin, and carpeting provides nutrients for larvae, prolonging the population.
- Chemical exposure: Insecticidal treatments can shorten each stage, especially the pupal stage, which is otherwise resistant.
Control strategies focus on breaking the life cycle:
- Treat pets with veterinary‑approved flea preventatives to eliminate adult feeding sources.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and cracks daily; discard the bag or empty the canister immediately to remove eggs, larvae, and pupae.
- Wash bedding, pet blankets, and removable covers in hot water (≥130 °F/54 °C) weekly.
- Apply an environmental insecticide labeled for indoor use, targeting hidden areas where pupae reside.
- Maintain indoor humidity around 40‑50 % and keep temperatures moderate to discourage development.
In a well‑maintained home with regular pet treatment and diligent cleaning, the flea population can be reduced to negligible levels within a month. Without intervention, adult fleas may persist for several months, while eggs and pupae can remain dormant for up to a year, ready to emerge when conditions improve.