When Do Fleas Die For the Winter?
WouterFleas are not just a winter pest – they’re also a year-round problem. Although the colder months slow down their breeding, many fleas survive Winter thanks to body heat. This allows them to continue to lay eggs, which hatch into new fleas and continue the cycle of life.
While fleas are not actively searching for a host during the winter, the cold temperature can still prove deadly. Fleas need temperatures of at least 40 degrees Celsius to kill off. But if the temperature is above freezing, fleas can continue to feed on their hosts and survive. In the winter, the number of fleas is still higher than it is during the warm months, so treatment is still necessary to prevent the problem.
Fleas have a life cycle based on their habitat. Some fleas may stay in a cocoon for up to a year before they die, while others may stay active all year long. Fleas also have the ability to resist insecticides and wait until conditions improve to hatch.
Fleas cannot survive below 37 degrees Fahrenheit, but can survive a day or two at a time. The temperature of the environment they live in must be consistently below this number, or they will begin to freeze. This can kill the adult flea, as well as any larvae or eggs. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean that they won’t survive winter, especially if you live in a southern area.
