What Time of Year Do Fleas Go Away?
Fleas are most active in warm, moist conditions, especially in the spring and fall, when temperatures are above freezing. The cold weather does not mean fleas will disappear, however. Fleas will still be present on your pet during the winter months. It is important to take steps to prevent flea infestations by treating your pets at the beginning of the season.
Fleas live in your pet’s environment, including carpet, furniture, beds, and yards. In the fall, the number of fleas in your home will be higher, as they begin hatching from eggs. The larvae feed on organic debris for a few weeks before emerging as an adult. The pupae will stay in the fabric fibers for several months, preparing to emerge as adults.
Flea and tick seasons last from May to November in the eastern United States. However, these seasons vary based on your geographic location. Northern and central areas will have a shorter season than southern and western areas. The seasons in southern Pennsylvania are longer than in northern and central areas.
Many people think that fleas are gone after the first frost, but this is not true. Even though cold temperatures kill most flea populations outside, the surviving ones will migrate inside to find a new host, especially in a warm environment. This means that flea prevention is essential throughout the year.