How many days do fleas live? - briefly
Adult fleas generally live 2–3 weeks without a blood meal, extending to about four weeks when feeding regularly. Including larval and pupal phases, the full life cycle may reach two to three months under optimal conditions.
How many days do fleas live? - in detail
Fleas typically complete their life cycle within a few weeks, but the adult stage may persist for a limited period measured in days. Under optimal conditions—temperatures between 21 °C and 30 °C, high humidity, and regular blood meals—adult cat or dog fleas («Ctenocephalides felis») survive approximately 30 days. In cooler environments (below 15 °C) or when hosts are unavailable, adult longevity decreases to 5–10 days.
Key factors influencing duration:
- Temperature: Higher temperatures accelerate metabolism, shortening lifespan; lower temperatures slow activity, reducing feeding opportunities and leading to earlier death.
- Humidity: Relative humidity above 70 % supports survival; dry air accelerates desiccation and mortality.
- Host availability: Access to blood meals extends life; starvation after 2–3 days without feeding results in rapid decline.
- Species variation: Human flea («Pulex irritans») generally lives 2–4 weeks, while rodent fleas may survive up to 3 weeks under favorable conditions.
Extreme cases report adult fleas living up to 2 months when kept in controlled laboratory settings with constant temperature, humidity, and uninterrupted feeding. Conversely, outdoor fleas exposed to fluctuating weather often die within a week.
Overall, the adult phase of common household fleas ranges from a few days to about one month, with environmental conditions and host access determining the precise length.