How Much Do Fleas Die?
WouterFleas are tiny creatures that are able to survive for two to twelve hours without being fed on the blood of a human host. They do not have wings, but use their powerful hind legs to jump onto a host. They are just under one-sixteenth of an inch long and are able to jump up to eight inches.
Adult fleas can live for more than a year, depending on the environment. During this time, they lay eggs and develop into larvae. Larvae feed on organic debris for a couple of weeks, and then hide away for lengthy periods. After the larvae hatch, they develop into pupae. These fleas spend long periods of time in a cocoon and survive without blood.
Insecticides used on floors have a good residual effect and can kill large numbers of fleas. The insecticides should not be disturbed for a week or two. Afterwards, adult fleas will continue to lay eggs, but will die. During this time, you should not enter the area. If you do get a flea infestation, you should not enter it until the entire house has been treated. Until then, food, utensils, and cookery must be removed from the room.
If you live in a warm climate, your flea problem will not be affected by freezing temperatures. In colder climates, some fleas will survive for ten days in temperatures around 37 degrees.
