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How Long Can Fleas Live on Sheets?

Overhead view of an unmade bed

Fleas are wingless, tiny insects that feed on the blood of both animals and humans. Flea management costs over $9 billion every year in the United States, making it one of the most expensive pet expenses. The cat flea, Ctenocephalides Felis, is the most common in Texas. This flea preys on cats, dogs, and other animals. Fleas that are less frequent on pets and in houses include the dog flea, human flea, and rat flea. Keep reading to know more about how long can fleas live on sheets.

You want to donate some clothes, but you have had a flea problem? Check out our post How Long Can Fleas Live on Clothes? to learn more.

Can Fleas Survive on Bedding?

Yes, they are capable. Fleas want a warm atmosphere, which your bed provides. The adult fleas will deposit their eggs in the mattress material, and the larvae will be fed by faces.

How Long Can Fleas Live in Your Bed?

Hands folding down the top sheet on a bed

Blood is required for fleas to live. A flea may live for up to a year in the presence of a host. They can only live for 1 or 2 weeks without a host.

They may survive longer in a warm, humid environment than they would in a dry or cold environment. That’s why flea season is in the spring and summer. Fleas prefer to burrow into carpets and bedding, but if they don’t have a host to feed on, they won’t last long. Fleas prefer to reside on your pet’s body rather than your bedding or blankets.

How Do I Know if I Have Fleas in My Bed?

Mattress with white sheets and pillows on wood floors in a white walled room

Fleas prefer to feed on blood. They won’t take up residence in your bed, but they will leave a trail of their presence. If your dog or cat has fleas, the eggs may fall from their fur and hatch on your bed. Adult fleas can leap great distances and may find their way into beds. Fleas in your bed can be identified by the following signs.

Bites

Close up of flea bites on human skin

You may have a flea infestation if you see itching red spots on your shins, ankles, and feet.

Multiple flea bites on your lower limbs generally look like a straight line. Flea bites may develop a crimson halo around their core in rare cases. You may notice bites in your elbow bends and on your upper torso if your pet prefers to lie near your head. Fleas can also be identified by red spots on your face or breast.

Flea Dirt

Fleas, like other insects, defecate. Flea filth, also known as residue, appears as tiny black spots. You’ll probably see flea filth on your linens if your pet has fleas and sleeps with you.

Flea soil is mostly made up of the blood of the host. Fleas that have a host nearby consume far more blood than they require daily. Fleas often defecate when biting, releasing 10 or more droplets of flea filth every bite.

Pet Scratching

Cat scratching behind its ear

Because it might be difficult to spot flea bites on your pet, you should pay attention to whether he or she is scratching. It’s also possible that your pet is gnawing orbiting at its own skin. Fleas can infest an animal’s whole body. This results in a lot of itching and pain. If left untreated, your pet may develop skin infections or a rash as a result of scratching and damaging their skin.

Even if your pet is confined to the house and never goes outdoors, fleas can infest them. Fleas can enter your home through the soles of your shoes or clothing. Your pet may have a flea infestation if they scratch.

Will Washing Bedding Get Rid of Fleas?

hand putting sheets in a washer

All sheets, duvets and covers, pillows, and blankets must be stripped and washed in a hot wash cycle with the proper detergent. After that, a hot tumble dry is applied. Fleas are unable to withstand the heat. Vacuum the mattress’s whole surface numerous times. Then flip the mattress over and repeat the process. Spraying the mattress with an approved flea home spray and then slipping on a mattress cover and sealing it up may be useful.

Thoroughly vacuum the bedrooms. You have to Use the tools to go well up to the skirting board’s edges, as well as inside any gaps or crevices. Carefully dispose of the vacuum bags to ensure that no fleas escape. Vacuuming regularly will disrupt the life cycle of any nesting fleas and flea eggs. Flea powder and vacuuming may also assist to get rid of the fleas. Check to see whether the powder contains any harmful chemicals. Alternatively, you may manufacture your own finely powdering herbs like rosemary, peppermint, and fennel. Fill an empty salt pot halfway with water and shale the entire area.

Infestations ranging from moderate to severe may necessitate the use of a residual pesticide on carpets, skirting boards, and other surfaces where fleas may be present.

Can Fleas Survive in the Dryer?

Clothes spilling from a dryer in a laundry room

While it may appear that this will solve the problem, the truth isn’t nearly so simple. Fleas can be killed by heat and soap at any stage of their life cycle. Therefore a dryer cycle alone will probably not be enough to get rid of your fleas.

These things should be kept in firmly sealed bags until they have been washed and dried. While we can’t promise that all fleas that end up in the washing machine and dryer will perish, we can ensure you that their odds of surviving are little to none.

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