The Flea Lifecycle

Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, including dogs, cats, and humans. Understanding the lifecycle of a flea can be helpful in preventing and treating flea infestations. In this article, we will discuss the four stages of a flea’s lifecycle.

Egg Stage:
The first stage in the flea lifecycle is the egg stage. Female fleas lay their eggs on their host animal, and the eggs then fall off onto the ground, carpet, bedding, or any other area the host animal may frequent. Flea eggs are small, white, and oval-shaped. They hatch in 1-12 days, depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment.

Larva Stage:
The second stage in the flea lifecycle is the larva stage. Flea larvae are worm-like, legless, and feed on organic material found in their environment, such as flea feces, skin cells, and hair. Flea larvae avoid light and burrow into carpets, bedding, or any other area where they can find organic matter to feed on. Flea larvae molt three times before reaching the next stage of their lifecycle.

Pupa Stage:
The third stage in the flea lifecycle is the pupa stage. Flea pupae are encased in a cocoon and can remain in this stage for up to several months, depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment. The pupa stage is the most resistant stage in the flea lifecycle, and it can be challenging to eliminate fleas at this stage.

Adult Stage:
The fourth and final stage in the flea lifecycle is the adult stage. Flea adults emerge from their cocoons when they detect the presence of a host animal through vibrations or carbon dioxide. Adult fleas feed on the blood of their host animal and can jump up to 7 inches vertically and 13 inches horizontally. Female fleas can lay up to 50 eggs per day, starting the lifecycle all over again.