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Question:

    How long is the life span of a flea?

Answer:    

    30-90 Days (Average).

A flea might live a year and a half under ideal conditions. These include the right temperature, food supply, and humidity. Generally speaking, though, an adult flea only lives for 2 or 3 months. Without a host for food, a flea's life might be as short as a few days. But with ample food supply, the adult flea will often live up to 100 days.

Standard DisclaimerRelated Web Sites
  • Robert Hutchinson Veterinary entomology: Fleas (Siphonaptera) - The section about fleas provides information about the life cycle of the flea and a brief section about the veterinary importance of fleas along with flea treatment and control. In addition, the Web site provides related links, a glossary, fact files, images, and information about general topics. Other insects included are flies and lice.
  • Zoological Institute, St. Petersburg Fleas (Siphonaptera) Homepage - This site is solely devoted to information about fleas. It contains extensive information about the biology, morphology, distribution, taxonomy, hosts, images, importance, and control of fleas. It also contains a database, references, and links.
  • University of Florida: Fleas - This site sponsored by the Institute of Food and Agriculture Services provides comprehensive information about fleas as well as information about pesticides used in the control of fleas.
  • Iowa State Entomology Index of Internet Resources - This is a directory and search engine of insect-related resources on the Internet.

Library of Congress Web SiteFurther Reading
  • Cole, Joanna. Fleas. New York, Morrow, 1973. 62 p. (Juvenile)
  • Lehane, Brendan. The compleat flea. London, Murray, 1969. 126 p.
  • Stevens, Kathryn. Fleas. Chanhassen, MN., Child's World, c.2001. 32 p. (Juvenile)

SearchFor more print resources...
Search on the word "flea" in the Library of Congress Online Catalog.

Adult Cat Flea
Adult Cat Flea. Photo from the
Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet

Cartoon Dog Sparying Flea

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  March 1, 2007
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