How Quickly Can Fleas Lay Eggs?

The life cycle of a flea includes four stages: the egg, larva, pupa and adult. The length of this cycle can range from two weeks to eight months, depending on environmental conditions and the time of year. Most fleas lay eggs after they have eaten, typically between four and eight days after feeding. Larvae feed on flea waste, skin sheddings and dead skin cells. The adult flea then begins its search for a host and mates.

Depending on the environment, flea eggs may take anywhere from two days to two weeks to hatch. Eggs will hatch faster if they are warm and humid. Once hatching, the larvae emerge from the eggs, which takes anywhere from five to 11 days. During this period, the flea lives off of predigested blood and other organic debris.

Once laid, flea eggs require a warm, moist environment to develop. A temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity of 75 percent or more will help the larvae hatch. If the weather conditions are less favorable, the egg lays dormant for several weeks.

A single adult female flea can lay between ten and fifty eggs a day in ideal conditions. In an ideal environment, the flea can lay as many as 2,000 eggs over the course of a lifetime.