Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of birds and mammals, including humans and pets. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 2,500 species of fleas in the world, with more than 300 of them found in the United States. While most fleas do not affect human health, some species can cause diseases and itchy bites, and they can infest homes and pets.
Fortunately, heat can be an effective way to kill fleas, but the degree of its effect depends on several factors, including the flea’s life stage, duration of exposure, and temperature. Fleas are ectothermic creatures, which means they use their environment to regulate internal body temperature. The ideal temperature range for them is 46°F to 95°F, but they are most active between 65°F to 80°F. Temperatures exceeding 95°F for extended periods will kill most fleas and their larvae, but flea eggs are more resilient and require hotter temperatures for longer periods to be destroyed.
There are several ways to use heat to kill fleas. Washing and drying items such as pet toys and bedding at high temperatures can help, but it may not be enough. Supplementing the washing with drying at high heat can potentially kill any remaining fleas. Steam cleaning and hot boxes are also effective methods of eradicating fleas from carpets, rugs, furniture, clothing, and toys.
The time it takes for heat to kill fleas depends on the method and temperature used. For example, a clothes dryer cycle of 30 minutes can kill fleas in all life stages, while steam cleaning at 140°F for over 10 minutes can kill fleas. However, exposing fleas to heat for short periods, such as keeping the infested item in the sun or using a hair dryer, will not be sufficient to kill them.
It’s important to note that applying heat to pets directly can be dangerous and harmful. Instead, there are several recommended ways to get rid of fleas on pets, such as using spot-on or oral treatments prescribed by a veterinarian or giving them a flea bath using shampoo with chemical ingredients that are EPA-approved. Using a flea comb with a mixture of dish soap and water can also help remove fleas and eggs manually.
In conclusion, heat can be an effective method of eradicating fleas from the home, but it should not be used to treat pets directly. Combining heating methods with effective flea treatments for pets can be an efficient way to tackle a flea infestation, but it’s important to always consult with a veterinarian for more information on the most effective and humane ways to deal with fleas.
