How Often Fleas Hatch

When fleas hatch, they usually go through three stages before reaching adulthood. The first two stages are the larval stage and the pupa stage. In the ideal conditions, flea eggs will hatch within a few days, but in less-than-ideal environments, they can take as long as a few weeks to develop.

Flea larvae need a moist, warm environment to develop. The ideal temperature for a flea larva to hatch is between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The body temperature of a cat or dog is approximately 101 degrees. A heated home can sustain the life cycle year-round. Once the flea larvae emerge, they target their host by feeling touch, air currents, and light.

Flea eggs are white, oval-shaped, and less than a millimetre long. Under a microscope, they appear like small rice grains. After hatching, the larvae feed on dried adult feces and dead animal parts. They may also lay their eggs on your pet’s bedding.

Fleas can develop into adults within 2 to 3 weeks, depending on their temperature and humidity levels. While most anti-flea products kill adult fleas, the pupae may reappear if they are disturbed by temperature changes, humidity, and wind.