Historic & Scenic Sites in and around Washington County, MO by Esther & Gene Carroll History of Washington County Jails & Courthouses by Esther Carroll These links are a part of Carrolls' Corner - lots of Washington County History!
In a humid environment, over 60% of newly hatched fleas can live without a host for 2 months. In a cool, dry environment, only 10% will live without an immediate host. Humidity is the key to flea survival.
However, completely developed adult fleas can live for several months without eating, so long as they do not emerge from their puparia. Optimum temperatures for the flea's life cycle are 21 Â°C to 30 Â°C (70 Â°F to 85 Â°F) and optimum humidity is 70%. Adult female rabbit fleas, Spilopsyllus cuniculi, can detect the changing levels of cortisol and corticosterone hormones in the rabbit's blood that indicate it is getting close to giving birth.