The Lifecycle of Fleas and Ticks: Why Missing One Dose Can Restart an Infestation
Ever treated your pet for fleas and ticks, only to see them scratching again a few weeks later? You’re not alone—and it’s not just bad luck. The problem usually lies in missing a single dose or failing to break the flea and tick lifecycle.
In this blog, we’ll walk through how fleas and ticks reproduce, why timing is critical, and how consistent treatments like Bravecto can help you stay one step ahead.
Understanding the Flea Lifecycle
Fleas have four life stages:
- Egg
- Larva
- Pupa
- Adult
What makes them so tricky? 95% of a flea infestation is in the environment, not on your pet. Eggs fall into carpets, bedding, and floorboards—waiting to hatch.
- Flea eggs hatch in 2–14 days
- Larvae turn into pupae in about a week
- Pupae can lie dormant for months before becoming biting adults
So even if you kill all visible fleas, new ones are still hatching—which is why consistent treatment is essential.
The Tick Lifecycle
Ticks have a multi-host lifecycle lasting months to years:
- Egg
- Larva (6 legs)
- Nymph (8 legs)
- Adult tick
Ticks don’t multiply as rapidly as fleas, but they’re sneaky and dangerous—spreading serious diseases like Lyme, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis.
Ticks can wait for months between feedings, hiding in grass, shrubs, or outdoor bedding.
Why Missing a Dose Reignites Infestations
Stopping treatment—even briefly—means:
- New fleas can mature and start laying eggs
- Dormant pupae hatch into biting adults
- Ticks find a fresh host during their next feeding cycle
This resets the entire infestation and can make it harder to eliminate the second time.
How to Break the Cycle for Good
✔ Stick to the full schedule—don’t wait until you see symptoms
✔ Treat your home and pet’s bedding to eliminate hidden eggs
✔ Vacuum regularly and empty the bag immediately
✔ Use long-lasting treatments to cover the full lifecycle
Best Long-Term Protection
🐶 For Dogs
Bravecto for Dogs provides up to 12 weeks of protection per dose—breaking the flea and tick lifecycle with fewer treatments per year.
Browse other flea and tick treatment options for dogs to find your ideal fit.
🐱 For Cats
Bravecto for Cats is a topical treatment that works for 3 months with just one application.
Explore additional flea and mite treatments for cats to ensure full protection.
One missed dose can mean the difference between elimination and reinfestation. By understanding how fleas and ticks live and reproduce, you can make smarter choices for year-round protection.
Need help choosing the right product for your pet? Explore Scriptly’s Bravecto range for dogs or for cats to get started today.
