Can Fleas Reproduce on Humans?
WouterThe life cycle of a flea begins with an egg laying period that lasts 17 to 26 days. Once the eggs hatch, they will remain dormant for at least a month before emerging as adults. Adult fleas remain dormant for about five months, but they can survive in a home environment for as long as eight weeks. Fleas can last up to eight weeks without the presence of a pet, though their numbers will decrease significantly after that time.
Most fleas invading the home are after a cat or a dog. However, some species are starved and will look for a human host for feeding. This is why it is important to vacuum regularly. While a vacuum may not kill adult fleas, it will kill any larvae and pre-emerged adults.
Adult fleas will not lay eggs on humans if they are not attached to an animal. Having a pet provides a warm, damp environment, so immature fleas may live on clothing and furniture. During the day, adult fleas will seek a blood meal, which will give the adult fleas the energy they need to reproduce.
In addition to cats and dogs, humans can also acquire fleas through other means. They may come into a home from a neighbor’s pet or from an abandoned bird nest. Although most of these fleas cannot live on humans, they can survive in human blood. The good news is that fleas do not usually live on humans for longer than eight weeks.
