How long do fleas live in domestic conditions? - briefly
In a typical home environment, adult fleas survive for roughly two to three weeks, depending on temperature and access to blood meals. Their complete life cycle—from egg to adult—generally spans three to four weeks under favorable indoor conditions.
How long do fleas live in domestic conditions? - in detail
Fleas complete their life cycle inside a household in roughly two to three months, although the exact period depends on temperature, humidity, and host access. The cycle consists of four stages:
- Egg – Female fleas deposit 20‑50 eggs per day on the host; eggs fall off into the bedding, carpet, or floor. At 70‑85 °F (21‑29 °C) and 70 % relative humidity, hatching occurs within 1‑10 days.
- Larva – Emerging larvae feed on organic debris, adult flea feces, and skin cells. They develop for 5‑20 days before spinning a cocoon. Cooler or dryer conditions can extend this phase to several weeks.
- Pupa – Enclosed in a protective cocoon, pupae remain dormant until stimulated by vibrations, carbon dioxide, or heat from a host. Under optimal conditions, pupation lasts 5‑10 days; in unfavorable environments, it may persist for months, awaiting a suitable host.
- Adult – Once emerged, adult fleas seek a blood meal within hours. After the first feed, they begin reproducing. Adult longevity ranges from 2‑3 weeks without a host to 2‑4 months when continuously feeding.
Key environmental influences:
- Temperature – 75‑85 °F (24‑29 °C) accelerates development; temperatures below 50 °F (10 °C) significantly slow or halt progress.
- Humidity – Levels above 60 % support rapid egg hatching and larval growth; low humidity can cause desiccation and mortality.
- Host availability – Continuous access to a pet or human host shortens adult lifespan and increases reproductive output.
In well‑heated homes with moderate humidity and regular pet presence, a complete generation can appear in 2‑3 weeks, leading to multiple overlapping generations throughout the year. In cooler, dryer houses lacking hosts, the cycle may extend to several months, with many stages remaining dormant until conditions improve.