How Long Do Fleas Live Without a Host?
WouterThe lifespan of a flea depends on the stage of life it is at: adults are incapable of living without a host for more than 24 hours. However, young fleas can survive without a host for two days or longer, depending on the environmental conditions. Because their blood-feeding requirements are not the same as their adult counterparts, they are less likely to starve if they are not provided with a blood meal right away. Therefore, cutting off blood meals sources can help reduce a flea infestation.
Fleas can live for up to a year without a host, but only if they have a food source. A flea’s eggs will hatch in two or three days in the presence of organic material, and a flea larvae will feed on organic matter for two to three weeks. Later, a flea will pass through the pupae stage, which is characterized by a long period of hiding. Once the pupae reach this stage, they will remain in a cocoon for several months.
Adult fleas will mate with the female fleas they’ve attached to. They’ll then lay their eggs on the host’s skin. In most cases, these eggs will hatch within a day or two, but some may take longer. The larvae will feed on the feces of the host and will eventually hatch out of their cocoons. The adult flea’s lifespan is about a month, but can be as long as three weeks, depending on environmental conditions.
