The Flea Life Cycle—and How You Can Stop It

Adult fleas are parasites of warm-blooded animals such as cats, dogs and humans. Under most situations, fleas will complete their life cycle within three to five weeks. They pass through four life stages: egg, larva, pupa and an adult stage.

Adult fleas are irritating, blood-feeding insects that can cause irritating, itchy bites and in extreme cases can remove enough blood from animals to be anemic or exsanguinating them, which can be deadly. The reality of the situation is, in a population, the actively biting adults only make up about 5 percent of the total population.

Fleas are extremely adaptable insects and flea populations can exist inside homes for extended periods of time without a host animal due to the protective pupal stage.

Take Note

It’s important to remember that fleas can be transported into an area by animals such as squirrels, raccoons, cats, dogs, opossums and even humans.

When there is no residual insecticide left, a new infestation can begin. Keep pets off freshly treated surfaces, including the lawn, until they are dry (usually two to four hours). Let the treatment dry before you reenter the home (usually two to four hours).

What Can You Do?

Martin’s provides a number of flea products that prevent against flea infestation and break the life cycle of a flea. Click here to learn more about the company’s full line of flea protection products.