Have you ever wondered what happens to fleas in the winter? Do they die? Do they hibernate? Do they overwinter? Well, there is no stage in the life of a flea where it can survive the freezing cold temperatures, and they don’t hibernate. As opportunists, fleas get aggressive when the weather gets cold as they need to find a host to ensure survival through the winter months.
Your pet, and subsequently your home provides the fleas with everything they need for survival (warmth, shelter, and food), which means they are especially vulnerable this time of year. Once fleas are inside your home they will wreak havoc, and spread at a rapid pace. The good news is that February is the best time to fight back, and here are some of the reasons why!
The Fleas Development Process Is Significantly Slower
The most ideal temperature for fleas is somewhere between 75-80 degrees with high humidity. During the winter months, it is much colder than that (even inside your home), and the humidity level is much lower. As a result, the developmental process of the flea is significantly slower, meaning they are much easier to eliminate.
If you have a flea infestation in your home, chances are less than 10% of those fleas are adults. The majority will be eggs, larva, and pupae, which are much easier to deal with and are less of a threat to your family and pets.
Fleas Are Less Active
Under ideal conditions, the female flea can lay up to 50 eggs in one sitting. Because meals inside your home are more difficult to come by fleas are less active, meaning there are fewer eggs being deposited into your furniture, carpet, bedding, etc… Also, under ideal conditions, the eggs that are laid will hatch within 32-64 hours. Inside your home this process will take much longer, giving you more time to clean, vacuum, and wash any of the areas where fleas are present.
You Have Home Field Advantage
You have almost all of the advantages over the fleas inside your home. Their development process is slowed, they have to be less active, they have less reliable food sources, and it’s because of these things that they can ultimately be defeated.
What’s Next?
While deep-cleaning areas your pets frequent, washing bed sheets, blankets, and pillowcases, and vacuuming your carpet and rugs are all effective methods of eliminating pests …
The best way to protect your home, your family, and your pets from fleas this winter is to call the experts at Custom Personalized Lawn Care. Contact us today at (800) 570-3313 to hear more about Our Flea Control Treatment Plan and how we can help you protect your yard, your home, and your loved ones from fleas all-year-round!
