Female fleas lay eggs on the host animal. These then fall off into the environment. Flea eggs then typically hatch in 1-10 days. Flea larvae move deep into carpets and down cracks in wood to dark, protected areas, where they feed on organic debris and adult flea faeces. The larval phase is completed in 5-11 days, after which pupation occurs. Emergence of adult fleas depends on the presence of certain conditions, especially temperature. This can occur very quickly when conditions are right, leading to an explosion in the number of fleas. Newly emerged adults need a host for long-term survival. If fleas are not removed from a host, they can survive for more than 100 days. The female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day.