How Hot Can Fleas Survive?
WouterWhile the average human can live in temperatures as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit, fleas can live in temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures are ideal for the larvae to develop into full-grown adults. Fleas also don’t die overnight, even in temperatures that are close to freezing. In fact, fleas can live up to ten days in temperatures that are just above that threshold.
High heat is an effective way to kill fleas, but the heat must be constant for long enough to kill the larvae. Additionally, the heat should be combined with low humidity. If the humidity is over seventy percent, it will take much longer to kill the fleas. A temperature of at least 95 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended to kill the flea larvae.
Steam is also an effective way to kill fleas. But be careful not to steam your entire house at once. This can damage your fabric and cause you to burn yourself. If you have a steamer, be sure to check its temperature setting before using it on the affected area. Besides that, you can also buy a good quality steamer that can reach up to 200 degrees, which is high enough to kill flea eggs. Nonetheless, steamers are not cheap. If you don’t have the time to steam your entire house, consider hiring a professional to do the job.
Hot water and detergent are also effective in killing fleas. This method is effective for washing clothes that have been infested with fleas. However, it may not be effective for large-scale infestations.
