How Long Do Fleas Live After Treatment?
WouterIf you are wondering how long fleas live after treatment, the answer is that they can continue to emerge for up to two weeks. This is due to the fact that flea spray does not kill adult fleas. Rather, it kills flea eggs and larvae. In addition, it prevents newly laid flea eggs from hatching.
Fleas have a life cycle, and in the perfect environment, they can live for more than a year. After laying eggs, fleas will feed on organic debris for a couple of weeks, before moving on to the larva stage. After that, they will hide for long periods of time and eventually pupate. During this time, their lives will be paused, but the flea infestation will still remain in the environment.
The treatment itself kills the fleas on contact, but it may take up to six weeks for the larvae to hatch. Consequently, treatment may be needed every two to three months, depending on the severity of the infestation. It is essential that you do not disturb the treated areas for two weeks.
In summer, fleas lay eggs and may remain on your pet for up to 10 days. However, some eggs may hatch within a day. The larvae are tiny, but have powerful mouths, and live in the “flea dirt” of the host animal. This life cycle may last a few days in cooler climates, but could last for months in warm, humid weather. Once the adult flea hatches, it hunts for a host, and the female adult flea mates within 24 hours.
