Flea Life Cycle - What Do Fleas Need to Feed to Lay Eggs?

Female fleas need blood to keep their metabolism balanced. They can live up to 133 days on a host, so they need constant blood supplies. They quickly hop back onto the original host if they become dislodged. Once they have been dislodged, female fleas usually die within four days. During this time, ten female fleas can multiply into 25 million new fleas.

Flea eggs are laid loosely in a pet’s hair coat. They are wet and sticky when first laid, but they dry and fall off within a few hours. The eggs are white and oval-shaped and about 0.5mm in size. They can fall on the pet’s bedding and resting areas.

Flea life cycle consists of three stages: egg, larva and pupa. The duration of each stage varies by species. Adult fleas lay up to 500 eggs during their lifetime. After egg development, the flea larvae feed on flea dirt, skin sheddings, and organic debris. The pupae emerge from the cocoon a few days later.

In some cases, a flea infestation may be difficult to treat. In this case, it is best to seek veterinary advice. A veterinarian can recommend an effective flea prevention treatment. This treatment can be applied to the pet, home, and outdoor areas.