How Much Do Fleas Breed?

Fleas breed in the same way as other insects do. Female fleas lay eggs, which eventually hatch into worm-like larvae. These larvae spin a cocoon and pupate, and eventually emerge as an adult flea. Some species reproduce without mating, laying eggs only after a blood meal.

Fleas live year-round and thrive in warm places. The most common breeding grounds are on your pet’s body and in your home. They cannot survive in freezing temperatures, so they need to stay close to their host. The ideal temperature for fleas is 71 degrees Fahrenheit, so they can only survive in warm environments.

Fleas are able to reproduce for weeks or months. They can also stay dormant in the egg stage. Once an adult flea hatches, it will feed on your pet and lay up to 2,000 eggs per lifetime. Fleas breed faster during warm and humid conditions, so they’re more active in spring and summer. An adult flea can lay between 40 and 50 eggs per day, and nearly half of them will be female.

Flea eggs can survive for up to 10 days. In order to hatch, they need a moist environment of 70 to 80 percent humidity and temperatures that are 70 degrees or higher. In ideal conditions, flea eggs hatch in two days, but if conditions aren’t favorable, they can take up to two weeks.