How Long Do Fleas Last?

If conditions are right, fleas can live for up to a year without eating. This means they can stay undetected in your home for several months. Fleas also lay eggs to prolong their life. A female flea can lay up to 27 eggs a day. The best way to prevent flea infestation is to keep your home clean.

Fleas do not have wings, but they do use their powerful hind legs to jump onto their hosts. These tiny creatures are one-sixteenth of an inch long and can jump up to eight inches. They usually find a warm, damp environment, such as the material of a mattress.

Fleas can live for a few weeks or even months without a host, and they can survive without a blood meal for a few weeks. This is because they cannot reproduce without a blood meal. They can also stay in a cocoon for months. If their host is dead, they will die within two to four days.

Fleas often bite humans in the legs and ankles. The bites usually appear as red, irritated bumps that stay sore for a week. If you suspect that you have fleas, it is best to call in the experts.