What is the Temperature at Which Fleas Die?

You do not like them. And if you have pets, they don’t like the, either! Yes, we are talking about fleas.

And if you are one of those who don’t take diligent care of your pets, like having them treated for fleas by your local veterinarian, you will cry out for help. Worse still, in severe cases, your pup could even die.

What is the temperature at which fleas die? If the temperature is sustained at less than 30′, fleas will die. And if it goes over 95′ for a while, fleas will die, too. So winter is a bit of a reprieve. And you can kill fleas in your washer and dryer. Good news!

In this article, we’ll go over temperature and fleas, and more!


The Temperature at Which Fleas Die

Temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit are lethal to fleas. Constant temperatures as high as 95 degrees Fahrenheit will also kill the pests.

So there’s hope!

But note that, at the extreme, fleas will only die after five days of cold temperatures and within a couple of days at extremely high temperatures.

Additionally, fleas can survive indoors if HVAC and air-conditioning units are used round-the-clock.

Thanks to modern amenities, fleas’ life expectancy rates can increase by 20 days. 

Fleas can also survive extreme winter temperatures if they are allowed to nestle into the fur of their warm-blooded domestic hosts (that would be your pet kitten, cat, dog… or even your pet bird!).


Anatomy of the Flea

https://www.cdc.gov/fleas/index.html
Source: CDC

The flea can leap up to fifty times its tiny body length, though it cannot fly. They have narrow bodies and well-adapted hind legs to compensate for their inability to fly.

The tiny flea – only 3mm long – comes from a large insect species order of 2,500 flightless creatures. 

When extreme temperatures do not affect it, this creature survives as a parasite of mammalian and avian species. 


CDC Warning on Fleas

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us that fleas also feed off human blood. Yes, they can infest humans, even if there are no pets present (though it’s not common)

This reminder is important because fleas carry diseases. How does this happen? 

In history, for example, rats were known carriers of what came to be known as the Bubonic Plague. Rats and fleas are also known carriers of typhus. Fleas fed off the infected rats too, and by the time they reached humans and animals, as new carriers of the plague, they would pass on the deadly disease.

Fleas also pass on the disease via their fecal matter, which happens when their feces are scratched into the victim’s bite wound. But after a few weeks of being infected by the plague, and other diseases, the fleas die. And being sensitive to external temperatures, they can also die from extreme heat and cold. 

But they can thrive at moderate temperatures, particularly when regular housekeeping habits, including vacuuming carpets and chair cushions, are ignored. 


Preventing Flea Infestations and Diseases

Fortunately, preventing fleas from taking over your home is not difficult. Your focus will be on using flea treatments for your pets and good housekeeping habits in the domestic environment.

Apart from regular visits to the local vet, you must brush and bathe your pets regularly. You will also need to check for fleas regularly — and not just on your pets! Check their bedding, your carpets, etc.

Finally, regular veterinary treatment is vital because it deals with the current fleas, but it will also prevent eggs from hatching. If you do nothing, fleas could thrive within your home for up to a year.


Conclusion

Fleas can survive in temperatures similar to humans, and pets, which makes sense. If it gets really cold and below freezing, they will die. And high temperatures will kill them as well.

This makes your clothes dryer and washer a great weapon to combat flea infestation. Keep washing everything at high temperatures and you’ll put a dent in your flea problem!