Can Fleas Die in Water?
WouterIf you have ever asked yourself the question, “Can fleas die in water?” you might be surprised to learn that they don’t! This is due to their unique structure, which prevents them from swimming and sinking. They have a gas layer inside their egg shell known as the Plastron, which allows them to absorb oxygen from the water without being able to sink. Interestingly, they can survive in water for as long as 24 hours!
While fleas can survive in water for as long as 24 hours, they can actually be revived if you remove them from the water quickly enough. One study even showed that a squirrel flea that was dipped in water only died after 24 hours, while the other fleas lived up to 7 days. Unlike mosquitoes, fleas have cuticles that are covered with a waxy substance, making them resistant to water. These cuticles also prevent water from penetrating the flea’s respiratory system.
While drowning fleas in water is not a viable option, you can add dish soap or shampoo to the water to help them drown. Dish soap strips the fleas of their waterproof coating, while shampoo contains surfactants that reduce the surface tension of water. Combined, these two substances will kill fleas within 48 hours, even if they are not immediately dead. If your dog or cat is already covered in fleas, bathing them regularly will help prevent them from spreading and re-infesting your home.
