Understanding fleas and how they develop (the flea life cycle) is key in controlling fleas on your pet, in your yard, & in your home.

There are 4 stages of the fleas life:

1. Eggs
2. Larvae
3. Pupae
4. Adult Flea

The Flea pyramid breaks down the population quite well to show you how these stages are actually in your environment (home/yard) when you see a flea:

• Adult Flea is 5%
• Pupae            is 10%
• Larvae                 is 35%
• Eggs                            are 50%

Stage 1: The Egg

Fleas begin feeding immediately after finding a host (your pet). They mate and egg production begins within 24-48 hours. Each female flea will lay 40-50 eggs per day. The eggs do not stay on the pet. They fall off the pet into the enviornment as they walk around. The highest density of eggs is generally found around where the pet sleeps. A flea will continue to lay eggs for 120 days (4 months). 

1 flea: (120 days X 40-50 eggs/day)=4800-6000 new fleas. Imagine if you have seen 2, 4, 6, 10 fleas?

Stage 2: The Larvae

Larvae begin within 1-6 days after the egg hatches. This stage will last approximately 5-11 days. The larvae look alot like a maggot, but they are microscopic so you will not see them with the naked eye. They move away from light & move towards the ground. The highest density of the larval stage is found in carpets, under tables or furniture, or in shady areas of the yard.

Stage 3: The Pupae

The larva will transform into a pupa wrapped within a cocoon much like a catapillar does before becoming a butterfly. These cocoons can be found everywhere...in soil, under vegetation, carpets, furniture, bedding. This is also the stage that is considered indestructable. Nothing kills the pupae. Not the weather and not pesticides. They stay in a hibernation state until the right temperature, humidity, & host appear. They can be there for years. This will then stimulate them to hatch as an adult flea.

Stage 4: The Adult Flea

See stage 1- it all starts again.