Flea populations might slow down a bit, especially outdoors, but they don’t go away completely. To be safe, you’ll want to keep those flea treatments going even in the cold winter months.
What Happens to Fleas in Winter?
As winter arrives, many fleas and their eggs will die. Fleas prefer a temperature of around 75 degrees and are most active at this temperature.
As temperatures drop and hover near 50 degrees, fleas can cocoon and stay that way for months. No flea in any stage of development can survive freezing temperatures.
The best time to treat your dog with an insecticide is when it’s warm outside. If you wait until it gets colder, the insects may not have enough energy left to get out of the house.
How do fleas survive in winter?
Fleas need warm temperatures to survive. The inside of your home provides a warm environment to allow fleas to thrive year-round regardless of the season.
When temperatures fall below 60 degrees, fleas will begin to hibernate. Hibernation means that the fleas enter a state of suspended animation. They remain dormant and inactive for several weeks or months before waking up again.
If you notice signs of fleas on your pet after the first frost, you should consider treating them right away.
Do I need to treat my dog for fleas in the winter?
It’s a common pet owner misconception that fleas are only a summer problem. Although adult fleas prefer warmer environments, they still exist during the winter months, so you should treat your dog for fleas year-round – not just in the warmer months.
If you see signs of fleas on a dog after the first frost, then you should start treatment immediately.
If you’re unsure about whether or not to treat your dog for flea infestations in the winter, here are some tips:
• Check your home for fleas every month, no matter what the weather.
• Wash all bedding and clothing thoroughly, including linens.
• Remove carpets and rugs from your home.
•Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
• Use a flea comb to remove hair follicles where fleas hide.
• Seal cracks and crevices in your home, such as under sinks and behind appliances.
How do I get rid of fleas on my dog in the winter?
Use a flea carpet powder that kills the life cycle of the fleas. Wash all of your pet’s bedding in a hot water cycle. Any bedding or clothing that has come in contact with fleas should also be put on the hot cycle in your washing machine.
You can also use flea shampoo if you’d like, but make sure that it contains permethrin. Permethrin is an effective ingredient against both adults and larvae. It is important to note that permethrin products must be used according to manufacturer instructions. Do not apply more than recommended by the label.
You can also use a topical spot-on product containing permethrin, which will kill the fleas on your pet within 24 hours.
What kills fleas instantly on a dog?
The most common product used to kill fleas on dogs instantly is Nitenpyram, more commonly known as Capstar. This single-use tablet is administered orally and kills fleas within 30 minutes. It is recommended that you contain your pet in a small area when using Capstar.
Other products available include fipronil (Frontline) and imidacloprid (Advantage). These products work by killing fleas on contact.
What does “flea-safe” mean?
The term “flea safe” refers to a product that kills fleas on contact without causing irritation. Products labeled as “flea-safe,” however, may cause skin reactions in certain animals. Always consult your veterinarian before applying any insecticide to your pet.
Can fleas live in your house in the winter?
Contrary to popular belief, fleas do survive during the winter months, especially indoors; our warm houses provide the perfect breeding ground for fleas as they thrive in a warm and humid environment. The inside of your home provides a warm environment to allow fleas to thrive year-round regardless of the season.
Fleas can easily migrate from one room to another, even though the rooms might have been treated. If you notice fleas in your home, check your entire house for them, and treat them accordingly.
Why don’t fleas die off in the summer?
During the warmer months, the outdoor temperatures are higher than indoor temperatures. As the temperature drops, so do the chances of fleas surviving outside. When the temperature dips below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, fleas begin to die off.
At what temperature do fleas die inside?
At What Temperature and How Quickly Do Fleas Die? Adult fleas die at temperatures colder than 46.4°F (8°C) and hotter than 95°F (35°C). Immature fleas, which refers to both flea eggs and larvae, are slightly more susceptible to the cold, dying at temperatures below 55.4°F (13°C).
Can fleas survive in the cold without a host?
No fleas can’t survive the cold without a host. Temperatures below freezing are lethal to adult fleas.
