Pest Control Resources and FAQ's

How Long Can A Flea Live Without Eating

How Long Can A Flea Live Without Eating

An adult flea can live up to two weeks without feeding on blood from a host and with regular access to a host they usually live for two to three months. Fully developed adult fleas without leaving their puparia, can survive up to a year without feeding.

Due to their short lifespan, when they have fully developed, their primary objectives are to source blood and reproduce. Fleas have to constantly feed, hence why they reside on their host. They feed exclusively on blood and can be found on various household pets, wild animals and humans as well. In fact, in order for female fleas to start laying eggs, they first need to feed on blood.

The mouth part of a flea is specifically suited to it’s blood only diet. It first cuts a tiny part of the host’s skin to reach the underlying blood vessels, utilizing a pair mouthparts called laciniae. Then it uses a needle-like mouth piece called the epipharynx to pierce into the blood vessels to feed on the blood. These two parts make up the stylet.

Fleas live short lifestyles with or without eating. However, with an easily accessible food supply , ideal temperature and humidity, fleas can live up to a year and a half.

How Long Can A Flea Live Without Eating

An adult flea can live up to two weeks without feeding on blood from a host and with regular access to a host they usually live for two to three months. Fully developed adult fleas without leaving their puparia, can survive up to a year without feeding.

Due to their short lifespan, when they have fully developed, their primary objectives are to source blood and reproduce. Fleas have to constantly feed, hence why they reside on their host. They feed exclusively on blood and can be found on various household pets, wild animals and humans as well. In fact, in order for female fleas to start laying eggs, they first need to feed on blood.

The mouth part of a flea is specifically suited to it’s blood only diet. It first cuts a tiny part of the host’s skin to reach the underlying blood vessels, utilizing a pair mouthparts called laciniae. Then it uses a needle-like mouth piece called the epipharynx to pierce into the blood vessels to feed on the blood. These two parts make up the stylet.

Fleas live short lifestyles with or without eating. However, with an easily accessible food supply , ideal temperature and humidity, fleas can live up to a year and a half.