How Often Do Fleas Lay Eggs?

The egg-laying period for fleas differs depending on the environment in which they lay them. Eggs laid in cold or dry conditions will take longer to hatch than those laid in warm, moist environments. After the eggs hatch, the fleas develop into larvae, the next stage of their life cycle. Larvae are blind and avoid light, and they feed on organic debris and predigested blood.

Flea eggs are tiny, roughly half a millimetre long, and are oval in shape. They are white and shiny. Under a microscope, they look like small rice grains. They are about 0.5mm x 0.3mm in size. Flea eggs fall on pet bedding and other places that pets spend time.

Fleas lay eggs every 36 to 48 hours after feeding on an animal. The eggs require a moist, warm environment to hatch. The ideal temperature and humidity ranges between 70 to 85 percent to encourage egg-laying. In less desirable conditions, it may take several weeks for the eggs to hatch. Therefore, when fleas bite or infest a home, removing the fleas from the area is essential.

Adult fleas can lay up to 50 eggs per day. As they cannot fly, fleas lay their eggs directly on pets, which can lead to an infestation. In addition, they can live in warm environments year-round.