How Long Do Fleas Live Underwater?
WouterWhile fleas are not naturally water-resistant, they can survive in water because their exoskeleton is made of a greasy material. This is why they float in water and can live for up to 24 hours. Fleas are not easy to kill and the fact that they are able to survive in water does not necessarily mean that they will die if submerged in water.
Fleas can live for up to seven days under water, but once completely submerged, they are doomed to drown. Luckily, you can help speed up their demise by using dish soap. Dish soap contains surfactants that help reduce the surface tension of water, causing fleas to sink.
Another common misconception about fleas is that they cannot live underwater. In fact, they can live for up to 24 hours without drinking water. The reason why they can survive this long is because they can breathe under water. Unlike mosquitoes, fleas are able to hold their breath for up to forty minutes without having to resurface. Moreover, they can survive up to 30 minutes in water if the water is not too deep.
It is not known how long fleas live underwater, but this resistance to drowning is attributed to their waxy cuticle, which makes them resistant to water. In fact, they have a plan to remain afloat and can survive in water for up to seven days, or even longer.
