When does a flea lay eggs? - briefly
Female fleas begin depositing eggs within 24–48 hours after feeding on a host’s blood. Each adult can lay several hundred eggs over a few days.
When does a flea lay eggs? - in detail
Flea females begin producing eggs shortly after their first blood meal. The initial oviposition typically occurs within 24–48 hours of feeding, provided the ambient temperature exceeds 10 °C (50 °F). Warmer conditions accelerate development; at 25 °C (77 °F) egg laying may start as early as 12 hours after ingestion of blood.
The rate of egg deposition is directly linked to the amount of blood consumed. A fully engorged adult can lay between 20 and 50 eggs per day, reaching a total of 200–300 eggs over its lifespan. Egg production continues as long as the female has access to a host and favorable environmental parameters—temperature, humidity, and a stable substrate for egg deposition.
Key environmental thresholds influencing egg‑laying activity:
- Temperature: optimal range 21–29 °C (70–85 °F); below 10 °C development halts, above 35 °C reduces viability.
- Relative humidity: 70–80 % supports egg viability; lower humidity leads to desiccation, higher humidity may cause fungal growth.
- Substrate: dry, dark areas such as carpets, bedding, or cracks in flooring provide suitable sites for the sticky, oval eggs.
Eggs hatch into larvae within 2–5 days under optimal conditions. If temperature drops or humidity falls below the threshold, development is delayed, extending the interval before the next oviposition cycle.
In summary, egg deposition starts within a day of the first blood meal, peaks under warm, humid conditions, and persists throughout the adult’s feeding period.