What Temperature Kills Fleas?
What temperature can end a flea infestation for good? Fleas start to die off at temperatures below 37°F and above 95°F.
If you’re one of the homeowners plagued by these pesky invaders, you might often wonder how to take advantage of this sensitivity to remove them. Keep reading to find out more strategies for year-round protection.
Key Takeaways
- Fleas die in temperatures below 32°F after several days or above 95°F after extended exposure.
- Cold treatments below 32°F can kill fleas but may not work in protected areas like pet bedding or crevices.
- High heat over 104°F works best to get rid of fleas when combined with washing and steam cleaning.
- When temperature control doesn’t work, calling a professional can help manage the problem.
At What Temperature Do Fleas Die?
Fleas start to die when exposed to temperatures below 32°F for several days or when subjected to heat above 95°F for an extended period. For effective flea treatment, heat must be sustained above 120°F, while cold treatments require prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures.
Minimum Cold Temperature
Cold temperatures can significantly affect these blood-sucking pests, especially flea larvae and adult stages. These life stages struggle to survive at around 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cold weather, however, may not get rid of them, as protected environments like pet bedding or crevices can keep them warm.
Maximum Heat Temperature
High temperatures are also lethal to fleas, especially when they reach around 95°F and above. At these heat levels, larvae and adult flea populations would struggle to thrive. Temperatures above 104°F can kill adult fleas. But, higher temperatures, around 120°F, may be needed to get rid of eggs and pupae.
How to Use Temperature to Control Flea Infestations
Using temperature as a strategy to combat fleas targets various stages of their life cycle. Highlighting cold and heat treatments, this approach can effectively address flea eggs and adult fleas.
Cold Treatment Methods for Flea Control
Cold temperatures can be effective against fleas by disrupting their life cycle. When exposed to temperatures below freezing, fleas cannot survive long-term.
Place infested items in a plastic bag and leave them outside in sub-zero temperatures for at least 3-5 days so the cold penetrates and kills the fleas.
Heat-Based Solutions to Get Rid of Fleas
Heat treatments work by killing adult fleas and eggs through high temperatures. Using a washing machine with water at a minimum of 95°F can remove fleas from fabrics.
Steam cleaning is another tool that reaches the high temperatures needed to penetrate and kill flea pupae in cocoons.
Dry items in a dryer at its highest heat setting (around 120°F) for at least 30 minutes to ensure flea dirt is removed and eggs are killed.
What to Do When Changing Temperatures Don’t Kill Fleas
Female fleas can lay up to 50 eggs daily after feeding on a host. Some may carry tapeworm larvae, which can spread to your pet. So, when temperatures alone aren’t enough to get rid of dog or cat fleas, you need a multifaceted strategy.
Regularly using over-the-counter products can prevent re-infestation and address flea problems over time:
- Apply topical treatments like Frontline directly on pets to target fleas at various life stages.
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on carpets and crevices to tackle fleas hiding in hard-to-reach spots.
- Follow label instructions when using flea sprays, powders, or topical treatments.
- Combine treatments for enhanced effectiveness when addressing fleas at different life stages.
- Reapply treatments regularly, as products may need many applications for long-lasting results.
Consult veterinary staff if you’re uncertain which products are safe and effective for your pets.
Consult a Professional for Severe Infestations
Serious flea infestations may need pest control services. Flea exterminators have the experience and specialized equipment for thorough pest control. They can access areas that are hard to treat with common methods.
Need help with fleas or other common pests like cockroaches, bed bugs, or termites? Get your free pest control estimate today.
