How long does a flea live? - briefly
Adult fleas typically survive 2–3 months when temperature and humidity are favorable, feeding regularly on a host; in harsh or dry conditions their lifespan may drop to a few weeks.
How long does a flea live? - in detail
The lifespan of a flea varies with species, environmental conditions, and life stage. Adult cat‑ or dog‑fleas typically survive between two and three weeks when a blood meal is unavailable, but a regular host can extend adult survival to four or five weeks. In optimal temperature (21‑30 °C) and humidity (70‑80 %), some adults may live up to two months.
Development proceeds through four stages:
- Egg: Laid on the host, drops to the environment within hours. Hatch occurs in 1–10 days, depending on temperature.
- Larva: Six instars feed on organic debris and adult flea feces. Development lasts 5–11 days under favorable conditions.
- Pupa: Encased in a cocoon, remains dormant for 5–30 days. Pupae can delay emergence if conditions are adverse, extending the total cycle.
- Adult: Emerges seeking a host for a blood meal. After the first meal, females begin laying 20–50 eggs per day for up to three weeks.
Temperature is the primary factor influencing each stage. At 10 °C, the entire cycle may stretch over several months, while at 30 °C, development can complete in under two weeks. Humidity below 50 % slows larval growth and increases mortality.
Overall, from egg to death of the final adult, a single flea generation can persist from three weeks to several months, with the adult phase contributing the most to the observable lifespan.