How Long Do Fleas Take to Grow?
WouterThe life cycle of a flea begins at the egg. It takes two to fourteen days for the egg to hatch, and then the flea larvae grow. At this stage, they are just a few millimeters long. They feed on organic matter and then develop into a cocoon called a pupa. The pupa is very sticky and picks up dust very easily. After a year, the flea emerges from its pupa as an adult.
Once on an animal, fleas lay eggs. The eggs fall to the ground or bedding of the animal and remain in the area for several days or weeks. Their survival depends on temperatures and relative humidity. If it is too cold or too humid, the flea larvae will die. In a cool, shaded area, the larvae will survive. During this time, the flea will feed on organic debris.
Fleas feed through the mouth part called the proboscis. Before feeding, they pump saliva onto the skin. Their saliva contains an anticoagulant, which prevents blood clotting. The saliva also contains a protein which can cause a serious allergic reaction in the host. Fleas can survive without feeding for several months on a pet, so it is important to keep an eye out for them.
Fleas are very hard to remove once they become adults. The best way to get rid of a flea infestation is to treat the area regularly with an anti-parasite product. Breaks in treatment can give fleas a chance to reproduce.
