Does a Dryer Kill Fleas? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ
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A common problem that many pet parents have to deal with is fighting fleas. These small insects survive by feeding either on human or animal blood, which is why our homes make great starting points for their infestation. Although tiny, fleas can harm our pets because they can transfer germs and cause other health-related problems.
Several flea products are available to prevent and treat flea infestations in households with people and pets. However, they can’t help with clothing, bedding, pillows, and other household items. Therefore, many pet owners with flea infestations put their bedding, clothing, and pet bed covers in the dryer to kill the fleas.
But is this method effective? A dryer can indeed kill fleas as long as the temperature is above 104°F for a sustained amount of time.
Read on to learn where fleas come from, how to detect infestations in your home, how a dryer can kill fleas, and other ways to care for flea-infested laundry.
Does a Dryer Kill Fleas?
Fleas can’t withstand temperatures above 95°F, and most dryers operate at 125°F–135°F.
While outside, fleas can live for at least a week in temperatures above 95°F until they eventually die. However, as the heat inside the dryer is much more concentrated, the fleas should die after a 30-minute cycle.
Flea larvae and eggs have a slightly better heat tolerance; they die when the temperatures are above 104°F. Some eggs can hatch at around 95°F, but the temperature would prevent the larvae from developing into adults. Since it’s better to be safe than sorry, it might be good to repeat the process or make the heat cycle longer to ensure your dryer kills all the fleas.
This flea-elimination method is typically successful because fleas can’t withstand the temperature inside the dryer.
Where Do Fleas Come From?
You can find fleas indoors and outdoors. When outdoors, they thrive in damp, shaded conditions, which is why you can commonly find them in the following places:
- Shrubs
- Organic matter
- Tall grasses
When indoors, fleas prefer warm and moist environments where they can hide, so you or your pet are excellent hosts. While some people believe fleas only attack domestic pets, such as dogs and cats, that’s not entirely true. It’s also possible for another human, wild animal, or rodent to start a flea infestation in your home. There’s even a chance of getting fleas in public areas, such as yards, parks, and the vet’s office.
Signs of Fleas in Your Home
Knowing the signs of fleas in your home can help you react promptly and prevent severe infestations. Flea season typically starts during the warmer months, sometimes at the beginning of summer.
Here are the signs that there are fleas in your house:
- You may see fleas jumping on your pet’s fur.
- You may notice painful, itchy flea bites on you or your pet.
- You may notice flea dirt (feces and blood).
- You may notice fleas jumping around your home.
- Your pet may have pale gums.
- You may notice flea eggs on the floor.
In addition to knowing what to look for in your environment, you should also pay attention to how your dog acts. This list will help you recognize the signs of fleas in your pet:
- Excessive licking
- Excessive scratching
- Biting themselves
- Visible fleas jumping on the fur
- Dried flea droppings on the fur
If you see any of these signs, you should immediately implement treatments to eliminate the fleas and ensure your home is parasite-free.
How Should You Take Care of Flea-Infested Laundry?
If you are dealing with clothing, bedding, and other washable garments with fleas, it is best to wash them and then put them in the dryer. You’ll increase the chance of successfully eliminating these annoying insects by performing both processes.
The flea-infested laundry will be exposed to double heat from the washing machine and the dryer, which means you’ll kill more fleas and get rid of flea eggs.
Final Thoughts
The dryer can kill fleas if you set it at a proper temperature above 104°F and ensure that the flea-infested laundry stays in the dryer long enough for the heat to eliminate all the pests.
Remember to always wash your clothes first and look for early signs of flea infestations in your home to prevent severe flea infestations.
Featured Image Credit: Evgeny Atamanenko, Shutterstock