Do Fleas Need Water to Survive?
The question of “Do fleas need water to survive?” may seem counterintuitive. Fleas can survive for several days on the surface of water and up to a week when fully submerged. However, they can also survive for months without food. This is why you should always dispose of them properly.
The eggs of fleas do not float. This is due to their special structure. They have a thin mesh-like layer on their outer shell that allows them to extract oxygen from water while preventing water from entering the egg. It is this layer that allows them to survive for 24 hours in water without perishing.
Fleas have a short life cycle compared to other insects. They pass from egg to larva to pupa to adult within a two to three-week period. In ideal conditions, they can live for one year or more. In fact, they can survive for at least a week without a host.
Fleas must be treated in order to be effective. You should treat both your pets and their environment, including indoor and outdoor living spaces. Then, you must repeat the treatment to kill any leftover fleas.