Do Fleas Die If You Squish Them?

Squeezing a flea may seem like an easy way to get rid of it, but it’s not actually the best way to get rid of them. Fleas are naturally quite small and are difficult to catch with your bare hands. Fleas also have a hard outer shell, called chitin, which makes them difficult to squish. This shell is what keeps fleas protected, and it’s what makes them survive for so many years.

Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of animals. They can live in carpets and in your pet’s fur. Using an insecticide, vacuuming, and washing your pet’s bedding will help kill fleas and eliminate them. After about one to two weeks, you should see no fleas.

Fleas can also be killed by dipping them in warm water. You can mix dish soap with water to dissolve fleas. Fleas can’t stand pure water, so you’ll want to make sure the water is soapy. Fleas are likely to jump out of the water if it’s not soapy, or they might die.

Fleas are most active in warm temperatures. If they’re cold, they can cocoon in warm animal bodies. Fleas can live inside, so if they can’t survive outdoor temperatures, they’ll live indoors and lay eggs. You can consult a veterinarian if you have concerns.