How long do fleas live in the house? - briefly
Adult fleas can persist indoors for about two to three weeks without feeding, but if they obtain regular blood meals from a host, their lifespan may extend to six‑eight weeks. Their eggs hatch within 1‑2 days, and the immature stages develop over another 1‑2 weeks, allowing a complete life cycle to occur within a month.
How long do fleas live in the house? - in detail
Fleas can complete their entire life cycle inside a home when conditions are favorable. An adult female lays 20‑50 eggs per day, and each egg hatches within 1‑5 days. The emerging larva feeds on organic debris and adult flea feces for about 5‑11 days before spinning a cocoon. Pupation lasts 5‑20 days, but can be extended indefinitely if temperature drops or humidity rises, allowing the pupa to remain dormant until a host is detected.
Under optimal indoor temperature (70‑85 °F) and humidity (65‑75 %), the full development from egg to adult may take as little as two weeks. Once emerged, adult fleas typically survive 2‑3 weeks without a blood meal, but can endure up to 5 weeks if a host is available regularly. In colder or dryer environments, adult longevity shortens to 5‑10 days, and the pupal stage may dominate the population’s persistence.
Key factors influencing indoor flea survival:
- Temperature: 70‑85 °F accelerates development; below 50 °F slows or halts it.
- Humidity: 65‑75 % supports egg and larval growth; low humidity (<50 %) increases mortality.
- Host availability: Frequent feeding extends adult life; absence forces starvation.
- Sanitation: Accumulated pet hair, skin flakes, and carpet fibers provide nourishment for larvae.
Consequently, a flea infestation can persist for several months if the environment remains conducive. Effective control requires disrupting each stage: regular vacuuming to remove eggs and larvae, washing bedding at high temperatures, maintaining indoor climate outside the optimal range, and treating pets with appropriate adulticides and growth inhibitors. Without such interventions, adult fleas may continue to reproduce for weeks, while dormant pupae can re‑emerge when conditions improve, prolonging the problem.