Do fleas die in the washer? This is a common question among pet owners who are dealing with a flea infestation. The short answer is yes, fleas can die in a washing machine. Let me explain why.
When you wash flea-infested items in a washing machine, the combination of hot, soapy water, laundry detergent, heat, and the agitation of the wash cycle can effectively kill fleas. The hot water helps to break down the flea’s protective outer layer, making it more vulnerable to the detergent. The detergent itself is designed to remove dirt, oils, and other substances from fabrics, and it also has the ability to drown and suffocate fleas.
The heat of the water is another important factor in killing fleas. Fleas are ectothermic, which means they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. When exposed to hot water, fleas can quickly become overheated and die. The temperature needed to kill fleas is generally around 120°F (49°C).
Furthermore, the turbulence created by the wash cycle helps to dislodge fleas from the fabric and prevent them from clinging on. The movement and agitation of the water can cause fleas to become disoriented and ultimately drown.
It is important to note that simply tossing flea-infested items into the washing machine may not be enough to completely eliminate the fleas. While the wash cycle can kill adult fleas, it may not be as effective in killing flea eggs or larvae, which can be more resilient. Therefore, it is recommended to wash the items on the highest heat setting possible and to use a laundry detergent specifically formulated to kill fleas, if available.
In addition to washing flea-infested items, it is crucial to also treat your pets and their living environment to fully eradicate the fleas. Fleas can quickly reproduce and infest your home, so it’s important to take a comprehensive approach to flea control.
To summarize, washing flea-infested items in a washing machine can be an effective way to kill fleas due to the combination of hot, soapy water, laundry detergent, heat, and the agitation of the wash cycle. However, it is important to take additional measures to treat your pets and their environment to fully eliminate the flea infestation.