Can Fleas Die in the Cold?
WouterIt is possible to prevent fleas by applying a flea preventative to your pets during the cold season. Although cold temperatures are not conducive to flea growth, they can kill mature fleas and their offspring. Fleas need warmth to survive and will do almost anything to keep warm. For example, they may attach themselves to animals in the wild and lay eggs to ensure that their population survives.
While most insects die in cold weather, fleas are different. The cold sends most of them into hibernation. Adult fleas cannot survive at temperatures below fifty degrees Fahrenheit, as they cannot emerge from cocoons. They also cannot survive in temperatures below 37 degrees. In addition, the cold kills flea eggs and larvae, which are more susceptible to freezing temperatures.
While many pet owners believe that fleas die in the cold, this is not entirely true. Although temperatures are much lower outside, fleas are still able to live inside a warm home. Flea treatments should continue throughout the winter to prevent fleas from breeding indoors.
If you have pets that spend time outdoors during the cold, it is important to protect them from ticks. Even in mild temperatures, fleas will breed faster. They can survive in damp and shaded areas. Even though the temperature can kill fleas, ticks do not die in the cold. Therefore, it is necessary to check for ticks and fleas in your pets’ bedding after spending time outdoors.
