How Old Are Fleas When They Lay Eggs?

Fleas lay eggs when they first feed on an animal. They can lay as many as 50 eggs in one day. The eggs are smooth and pearly in appearance and are about the size of a grain of sand. They are laid on the host’s body. The eggs are not sticky, and fall off the host easily. The eggs may end up in various locations around the home. The eggs hatch after about 1 to 12 days, depending on the environmental conditions.

The life cycle of fleas can be complicated, but knowing how long they live and how they reproduce can make controlling an infestation easier. Typically, full eradication of a flea infestation will require several treatments, starting with killing the adult fleas. After a blood meal, fleas will begin laying eggs, which peak after three to nine days.

Female fleas lay eggs while they are attached to the host, and they drop them to the ground. After a few days, the eggs hatch into larvae. The larvae are tiny, and lack appendages. The larvae then spin cocoons and pupate. In cool, dry weather, this phase lasts a few days, while in warm, humid conditions it can take months. The larvae then begin feeding on their own waste and feces, which includes dead skin cells.

The eggs of fleas can be difficult to spot, especially in dry or cold conditions. Since flea eggs are so small, it may be hard to see them.