Adult fleas can live without a host for about 1 to 2 weeks, although under ideal warm and humid conditions, they may survive up to a month while waiting for a host to feed on
. Flea eggs typically hatch within 2 to 14 days, larvae survive about 5 to 20 days, and pupae can remain dormant for weeks to several months, sometimes up to 5 months or even longer depending on environmental conditions
. The survival time without a host varies by life stage:
- Eggs: 2–14 days
- Larvae: 5–20 days
- Pupae: up to 5 months or more in a protective cocoon
- Adults: 2 days to 2 weeks, possibly up to a month in ideal conditions
Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, availability of organic debris, and shelter significantly affect flea survival without a host. Fleas thrive in warm (70-85°F) and humid (around 70%) environments
. Without a blood meal, adult fleas cannot reproduce and will eventually die. In summary, while adult fleas can survive up to two weeks without feeding, the immature stages (eggs, larvae, pupae) can persist much longer in the environment, making flea infestations challenging to eliminate without thorough cleaning and pest control measures
