Flea life cycle in New Zealand: what pet owners should know
Introduction
Fleas spend most of their life off your pet, tucked into carpets, rugs, bedding and the car. That’s why a dose alone isn’t instant magic. Understanding the life cycle helps you pair prevention with a short clean-up routine that actually works. Prepared with input from our lead vet and founder, Dr. Feargus McConnell, BVSc.
The four stages (and where they hide)
Eggs fall off your pet into soft furnishings.
Larvae wriggle deeper into fibre and dust, avoiding bright light.
Pupae sit protected in cocoons — the “hard to kill” stage that can wait weeks.
Adults jump on for a blood meal, lay eggs, and the cycle continues.
Warm rooms and mild NZ weather mean this cycle can run most of the year, with faster bursts after rain and in heated homes.
Why you still see fleas after you treat
Dosing kills the adults on your pet, but pupae keep hatching for a while. That’s normal — it doesn’t mean the product failed. A light, reliable clean-up helps the environment catch up.
The simple three-month plan
Week 1: Treat every pet with the right species, age and weight band. Vacuum daily (rugs, skirting, sofa seams, car mats) and empty the vacuum outside. Hot-wash pet bedding and favourite blankets; dry thoroughly.
Weeks 2–4: Vacuum three times a week; wash bedding twice weekly.
Weeks 5–12: Vacuum weekly; wash bedding weekly. Stay on schedule with prevention.
Small habits that speed results
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Treat all pets on the same day
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Store products together, high and dry, with the next due date on the box
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Add a phone reminder (and a mid-interval reminder for long-acting options)
Products we trust
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Dogs (monthly all-in-one): Simparica Trio Chewable Tablet for Dogs
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Dogs (monthly fleas & ticks): NexGard Chewables for Dogs
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Dogs (longer-acting fleas & ticks): Bravecto Chew for Dogs
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Cats (broad monthly): Revolution Plus Spot-On for Cats
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Cats (longer-acting fleas & ticks): Bravecto Spot-On for Cats
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Cats (simple monthly): Revolution Topical Solution for Cats
Safety basics
Dog products for dogs, cat products for cats. Match current weight band and minimum age. Don’t stack preventatives unless your vet advises.
FAQ
How long until the house is clear?
Often a few weeks, as pupae finish hatching. Keep dosing on time and stick to the light cleaning rhythm.
Do I need a professional spray?
Most NZ homes clear fleas with this plan. Consider a pro only if there’s no improvement after 4–6 weeks.
Need help mapping this plan to your home and pets?
We’ll set it up with you — contact us.
