A single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day which makes them one of the most common household pests. Fleas can live in a house without pets, but they’ll eventually die off without a food source. However, as long as they find a host to feed on, such as wild animals and even humans, they’ll survive and reproduce faster than you can imagine. If you are thinking that having no pets will make you fleas infestation free – think again.
These pesky pests can still invade a house even if you don’t have one. But how long will fleas live in a house without pets?
They can live in your house for two weeks, some even last for a month of survival. This is because fleas can go without a blood meal for that long. However, if they do manage to find a host from the surrounding areas, such as stray animals, these fleas will reproduce, with the larvae staying in dormant stage until they find a live host to attach themselves to.
This leaves you wondering, are there other situations that can affect how long a flea can survive? Let’s talk about that.
Can Fleas Live Even Without Pets?
There’s nothing more annoying than living with fleas. Unfortunately, fleas can survive in a variety of conditions, even if you don’t have a pet. Even if fleas can’t find a pet to be their host, you and your bedroom will provide what they need to survive (even for a short period).
It is important to know that fleas want moist and warm places and are also attracted to carbon dioxide. Your bed, pillows, and rug are the best to find the comfort they need. There are also your cabinets with fabrics and couches which will provide warmth at night.
Can Fleas Live in Humans If There Are No Pets?
In general, yes. Fleas can find humans as their host because human blood is a good source of food for fleas. Adult fleas can stay for a short period in humans, but they will not survive more than a few weeks. Although fleas can benefit from human blood, they’d still thrive to look for an animal host that has the nutrients they need to reproduce.
However, if you are constantly wearing the same clothes over again (without washing) there is a high chance that a flea lays eggs in the fabric, increasing your chances of getting bitten every time you wear the same set of clothes. This can be easily stopped by washing your clothes with hot water.
Can Fleas Live in Human Hair?
Human hair is another perfect living space for fleas as it is warm and they can latch to your scalp to feel your blood. If you think that you have fleas in your hair, be sure that you wash your hair with antifungal and antibacterial shampoo to prevent your scalp from becoming infected.
How Long Can Fleas Live Without A Host?
While adult fleas only live for about two weeks without a host, their eggs can survive for months, even up to a year in the right conditions. In short, adult fleas won’t survive without a host, but larvae can stay dormant until they find a host. While it may seem a good idea to starve the fleas because they’ll eventually die, keep in mind that their larvae will stay dormant and would eventually hatch as soon as they detect a presence of a living host near the area. Getting rid of larvae with the right pest control solutions is the best way to get rid of them.
Fleas Can Live in An Empty House
Fleas are pests that can withstand extreme temperatures and can live for months in an empty house. Although adults can only live for a shorter period without food, the eggs do not need blood to live while the larvae can be in dormant phases waiting for their next host.
Fleas Can Live in Air Conditioners
Many places in the house can provide a comfortable living space for fleas. And it’s not just the carpets, couches, and pillows. Air conditioners can also provide a comfortable place for fleas. Again, this may be short-lived, but within a short span, they can quickly reproduce, leaving you with more challenges to overcome.
Can Fleas Live in the Sun?
Fleas can live in the sun if they are near a pool of water.
How to Stop a Flea Infestation
Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that feed on the blood of animals. They can jump great distances and survive for long periods without food or water. As soon as you realize you have a flea infestation, it’s important to take action to stop it. Here are some of the things that you can do at home to minimize the chances of having a flea infestation.
Use a Good Vacuum Cleaner
Vacuuming is one of the most effective ways to remove fleas from your home. Be sure to vacuum all carpets, upholstered furniture, and cracks and crevices in floors and walls. After vacuuming, dispose of the bag immediately to prevent fleas from escaping back into your home
Use Baking Soda
If you are doubtful about using insecticides, you can use baking soda to get rid of the fleas. Sprinkle a good amount of baking soda in the affected area before you vacuum it up. This is a sure way of removing that pest from your carpet.
Wash Your Bedding
Use hot water with detergent in washing your bed sheets, duvet, and pillowcases, this combination will kill most of the fleas, including larvae.
Use Insecticide
You can also treat your home with an insecticide to kill fleas. This is often one of the most effective ways, but should be applied the right way. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and keep children and pets out of the treated area until it is dry.
Make a Lemon Spray
Just like baking soda, lemon is also a great and natural way of eliminating fleas at home. Here’s an easy step-by-step instruction on how to do a lemon spray for fleas.
- Boil thin slices of lemon in a pan and let it sit overnight.
- Then next day, pour the lemon infused water into a spray bottle
- Spray directly into the infested area. Doing this will kill the fleas and leave your home smelling fresh.
Final Thoughts
Trying to stop a flea infestation can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, they can live in a house with no pets, and even survive in totally empty space from weeks to months. Adult fleas usually die in 2 weeks, but larvae may stay dormant and stay alive for up to 9 months. Don’t worry though! There are plenty of ways to get rid of fleas. Vacuuming the area, using hot water with detergent, or using a DIY lemon spray are all effective ways of helping stop the infestation. If all of these things do not work, bear in mind that you can always call a team of professionals to do the work for you.
