Unless interrupted by chemical or natural means, the life cycle of a flea can last from 20 days to a year. Just like any other animal or insect, fleas have a distinct life cycle.
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Eggs
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Adult female fleas lay approximately 20 eggs daily. These eggs can be laid directly on the cat, or in the environment, both indoors and outdoors.
Larvae
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Eggs hatch two to 14 days after being laid if the environment is correct, or can lay dormant for an extended period of time. Fleas can remain in the larval stage from two weeks to six months.
Pupae
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The flea larvae spin a cocoon and enter the pupal stage of life. Pupae can remain in this cocoon from a week to a year. Warmer climates prone to humidity can speed up the process of pupae emerging from their cocoons.
Adult fleas
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Adult fleas cannot survive without a food source, but can remain in hibernation for up to a year. Newly emerged adults cannot survive without a meal of blood in their first week.
Survival of Fleas
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Unless treatment is used, you will always have a flea problem on your hands. Chemical and non-chemical flea control means are widely available.
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