Last Updated on November 24, 2023 by Erik Sullivan
Are you looking for the easiest but most effective ways of killing fleas without using any harsh chemicals in your home? Are you interested in will a clothes steamer kill fleas and their larvae?
A clothes steamer may be the answer. It’s an excellent natural remedy to get rid of these pesky parasites quickly and efficiently.
The steamer produces high temperature of steam that kills the adult fleas and their eggs.
In this post, I’ll show you, how to kill fleas with a clothes steamer as well as some other effective ways to kill fleas and their eggs. But, before jumping into the killing mission, let’s discuss what causes a flea Infestation in your house.
Table of Contents
How Do Fleas Develop in Your House?
Fleas are small parasites that live by ingesting the blood of humans and animals. They can cause serious health problems for both humans and animals. Fleas can enter your home on your pet, or via other animals such as rodents or wildlife. Once they’re inside, they can quickly multiply and make a serious nuisance.
Usually, the flea has 4 stages in their life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. It takes typically around 2-3 weeks to complete the cycle.
Female fleas lay their eggs on the host, which hatch into larvae a few days later. Flea larvae have small, white body like- tiny worm. They feed on organic matter in the environment, such as dead skin cells and dried blood. Once they’re fully grown, larvae spin cocoons and pupae.
Pupae are the final stage before adulthood and can remain dormant for several weeks. Adult fleas can live for several months and can produce hundreds of eggs over their lifetime. The eggs are resistant to environmental stress.
How Does a Steam Cleaner Kill Fleas?
A steam cleaner can be an effective tool for destroying flea infestations. It’s safe and easy to apply on various surfaces of your home.
You can use a handheld steam cleaner or a clothes steamer to get the job done properly. Both of these devices are highly capable of producing high pressure of steam vapor that destroys the fleas and their larvae from hard to reach areas in your home.
Generally, adult flea dies at a temperature of 95°F (35°C) and their eggs and larvae can’t survive in temperatures above 55.4°F (13°C).
A clothes steamer can easily reach at temperature above 200°F which is more than enough to eliminate the flea infestation. Note that, the mortality rate of fleas highly depends on the humidity level.
If the humidity level is too high (above 75%), it can take more time and effort to kill a huge chunk of the fleas. And, you may need to apply the steam over the infested areas more than once to kill them for good.
How Do You Get Rid Of Fleas With a Clothes Steamer? (Step by Step)
Now, let’s come to the step-by-step process of killing fleas with a clothes steamer.
Vacuum Thoroughly Around the Infested Areas
Before using the steam cleaner, you’ll need to vacuum the infested areas. This will help remove any fleas and their eggs that are on the surface.
Make sure, that the vacuum has a nozzle attachment so that, it can reach into the nooks and crannies. Pay special attention to the areas where your pet typically rests.
Remove the furniture and upholstery if needed and vacuum underneath of those items with extra care.
Fleas may lay eggs under rugs and mattresses, so don’t miss vacuuming those hot spots.
When you’re done vacuuming make sure to dispose of the dust container carefully.
Apply the Steam With A Clothes Steamer
Fill the steamer tank with distilled water and turn it on to produce steam. Select the highest steam setting of your steamer. Begin applying the steam on the areas where your pet either rests or sleeps. This may be the pet bed, mattress, and sofa. The steaming will be effective at helping to kill bed bugs from these areas as well.
Move the nozzle back and forth to apply the steam. Make sure to steam the seams, edges, and folds of the fabric. However, do not apply too much steam in these items in order to protect them from heat and moisture.
Next, steam your carpeted areas, upholstery, and drapes. Pay more attention to the cracks and corners to destroy the eggs and larvae of fleas. If your cat sits on the windowsill, then you must apply steam to that area. Also, apply the stem next to the window where the pet likes to sleep.
Remove Fleas from Your Pet
You’ll want to remove fleas from your pet at the same time as you apply steam on the infested areas. If you don’t treat the flea host properly, you can’t remove fleas successfully.
Apply Flea Killing Shampoo on Your Pet
If your pet has fleas, you’ll want to take action to remove them as soon as possible. Flea killer shampoo can be an effective way to get rid of fleas, eggs, and larvae from the pet’s body. However, it’s important to follow the directions on the bottle carefully.
Pro tips: Use a flea comb in your pets to detect and remove as many fleas as possible before you apply the shampoo.
We highly recommend to a use a plant based solution like- Wondercide – Flea killing Spray. It comes with natural essential oil and is safe for your kids. The best thing is, you can apply this spray on your cats and dogs.
If you’re still seeing fleas on your pet after using flea killer shampoo, you may need to try another method to get rid of them. Talk to your veterinarian about other options that may be available.
Wash the Pet Bedding and Dry Them
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You must wash all the bedding, blankets, and sheets of your pet in the hottest cycle of the washing machine. Add a cup of vinegar into the water to kill any fleas on the fabrics.
After running the cycle, let the cloth soak in hot water for about 10 minutes. After soaking is done, dry the garments in the sun. You can also use the above solution on pet bedding and furniture to prevent flea infestation in the future.
How to Keep Your House Free of Fleas?
Preventing fleas from entering your home in the first place is the best way to avoid an infestation. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to keep your home free of fleas.
- Richard H. Pitcairn, DVM, PhD, recommends to steam clean your carpets in the summertime. Because fleas season hits in these seasons.
- Vacuum your floors and upholstery at least once a week. This will help to remove any fleas before they can attack your pets.
- Keep your patio and backyard clean and free of debris. This will make it less inviting for fleas to set up camp.
- Make sure your pet is regularly treated for fleas. There are a variety of products available that can kill fleas and prevent them from coming back. Be sure to follow the directions carefully, as some products can be toxic to pets if used incorrectly.
- Consider using a flea repellent in your home. Like- the strong scent of mint, vinegar, lemongrass, etc. This can help to keep fleas away from their food sources. Eventually, they’ll get killed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to eliminate the flea problem?
Flea control can be difficult. You should not expect immediate success. Oftentimes, it takes 2-4 weeks to completely remove them from your house. So, don’t get discouraged.
What temperature kills fleas?
Fleas get killed at a temperature of 100°F and their eggs get destroyed at 55.4°F.
Does stem spray kill fleas and their eggs?
No, they don’t kill fleas and their eggs. They’re only eliminate flies, mosquitoes and gnats.
Does salt kill fleas?
Yes, salt can kill fleas. Salt is an effective and natural way to get rid of fleas in your home. Simply sprinkle some household salt over the infested areas (your carpet, and furniture) and brush the areas properly. Let the salt sit there for at least 24 hours. After 24 hours, vacuum the spots thoroughly.
Does vinegar kill fleas?
No, vinegar can’t kill fleas of any life stage. Because, The acid is not enough powerful to eliminate fleas and their larvae. But, it can help to repel them since fleas don’t like the smell of vinegar.
Learn more: How To Steam Clean A Couch And Upholstery?
Conclusion
In conclusion, while steamers can be effective in killing fleas and their larvae on surfaces, their efficacy depends on various factors. High-temperature steam, when applied directly to infested areas for a sustained period, can potentially eliminate fleas by denaturing their proteins and disrupting their lifecycle.
However, the success of using a steamer for flea control hinges on thoroughness, as steam must reach the hiding places of fleas, such as carpets, upholstery, or pet bedding. It’s essential to understand that steamers alone might not eliminate an entire infestation and should be complemented with other pest control methods for comprehensive flea eradication.
Consistency, repeated treatments, and combining steam with vacuuming and appropriate flea control products contribute to a more effective strategy in combating fleas and their larvae.
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