Flea problems are no fun for anyone – not you, not your family, and certainly not your pets. They can cause skin problems and transmit diseases. If these pests have invaded your home, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of them as quickly as possible.
If you have a flea infestation, you must take action immediately! Can steam mops kill fleas and their eggs? The short answer is Yes!
Steam cleaning is an effective method for killing fleas in all stages of development, including adults and larval fleas and some eggs. The high temperature of the steam is lethal to fleas as they can’t survive extreme heat. All flea life stages die when temperatures exceed 100.4°F (38°C). So if you’re looking for a safe, natural way to rid your home of fleas, steam cleaning just might be the answer.
Well, here are more considerations about using a steam cleaner to kill fleas. Keep reading!
The Flea Life Cycle
Fleas go through four stages in their life; egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The only stage that can survive without a host is the egg stage. The entire cycle from egg to adult can take as little as two weeks or as long as eight months, depending on the temperature and humidity.
Temperature is an important factor because eggs need temperatures between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit to hatch, whereas larvae need cooler temperatures, between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit, to develop into pupae.
Once pupae emerge from their cocoons, they will seek out a host within 48 hours if the temperature is between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, development will stop until the temperature rises again.
Can Steam Mop Kill Fleas and Their Eggs and How Does It Work?
Yes!
Steam cleaning is an effective way to kill fleas and their eggs. The dry steam created by a steam mop can reach temperatures of up to 230°F (110°C). This extreme heat is fatal for all stages of the flea life cycle, including adults, larvae, and eggs.
The high temperature of the steam will kill any living fleas and their eggs on contact, as well as any larvae in the pupa phase. Not only that, but it can also help to break up any existing flea cocoons so they don’t hatch and produce more fleas.
Why Should You Invest in a Steam Cleaner to Kill Fleas?
A steam mop is an effective and easy to kill fleas by yourself.
1. Steam cleaners are a safe and natural way to get rid of fleas.
The high temperature of the steam will kill fleas in all stages of development, including adults and larval fleas and some eggs. All flea life stages die when temperatures exceed 100.4°F (38°C).
As steam cleaners don’t use any chemicals, it’s a great option for those who prefer to stay away from pesticides.
2. It eliminates the need for chemical or toxic flea treatments.
Some people may be concerned about using chemicals in their homes, particularly if they have young children or pets. Steam cleaners offer a safe and effective alternative to chemical treatments, making them an ideal choice for families with young children or pets.
3. In addition to being safe and effective, steam cleaners are also very easy to use.
Simply fill the cleaner with water, turn it on, and wait for the steam to build up. Then, start steaming any areas where you’ve seen fleas or where they are likely to hide, such as carpets, upholstered furniture, and pet bedding. Be sure to steam all cracks and crevices thoroughly to kill any hiding fleas. After steaming, vacuum the area well to remove any dead fleas and their eggs.
Steam Cleaning VS Chemical Control Fleas
We’ll explore the pros and cons of two popular methods for flea control: steam cleaning and chemical treatment.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning, also known as hot water extraction, is a popular method for cleaning carpets and upholstery. It’s also an effective way to kill fleas.
The high temperature of the water vapor kills fleas and their eggs on contact, and the steam penetrates deep into carpet fibers to break up flea dirt (which is basically dried blood). Plus, it’s a great way to give your carpets a deep clean!
The downside of steam cleaning is that it can be costly if you need to hire a professional service. Additionally, your carpets may take several hours or even overnight to dry completely.
And if you have pets, you’ll need to keep them off the carpet until it’s completely dry to prevent them from tracking in dampness and dirt.
Chemical Control
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, chemical control might be the way to go. Various products are available that can kill fleas on contact, including sprays, powders, and foggers.
Some products require multiple applications before they’re effective, while others will kill fleas immediately. Be sure to read the label carefully before purchasing any product to ensure it’s safe for humans and animals and that it will be effective against fleas.
One downside of chemical treatment is that it doesn’t always kill flea eggs, so you may have to retreat your home multiple times before the problem is completely eradicated.
Additionally, some people prefer not to use chemicals in their homes due to safety concerns. If you have young children or pets, carefully follow the instructions on the label to avoid accidents.
Notes:
There are pros and cons to both steam cleaning and chemical treatment for flea control. Ultimately, the best method for you will depend on your budget, your preferences, and whether you have young children or pets in your home.
- If you decide to go the steam cleaning route, be sure to hire a professional service and keep your pets off the carpets until they’re completely dry.
- If you opt for chemical treatment, be sure to carefully follow all label instructions. Whichever method you choose, with a little patience and perseverance, you can say goodbye to those pesky fleas for good!
Fleas in High Pile Fluffy Carpet Can Be a Challenge to Steam Cleaner than Pets
Fleas are small insects that live off the blood of animals, and they can be difficult to remove with a steam cleaner.
The high pile of fluffy carpets provides the perfect hiding place for fleas, and the heat from the steam cleaner can actually make them more active.
The steam cleaner can be an effective solution for killing fleas and their eggs, but it is best to contact a professional carpet cleaning company if your carpet is still infested after using a steam cleaner.
They will have the right equipment and experience to get rid of the fleas quickly and effectively.
Besides Steam Cleaning, You Must Care for Your Pets
If your pets have fleas, you can’t use a steam cleaner to eliminate all fleas at once. So it’s important to use other methods of flea control, such as applying a flea shampoo or spot treatment on your pet and thoroughly washing their bedding.
You should also vacuum your carpets and rugs regularly to remove fleas, larvae and eggs. Pets are the primary source of fleas in the home, so it’s important to monitor your pet for signs of flea activity.
In addition to treating your pet, you’ll also need to take steps to get rid of fleas in your home. Vacuuming is an effective way to remove fleas, larvae and eggs from carpets and rugs. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag after each use so that the fleas don’t escape back into your home.
How Use Steam Cleaner to Kill Fleas?
Using a steam cleaner is an effective way to kill fleas and their eggs. The high temperatures created by the steam penetrate deep into carpets and upholstery, killing any fleas present on contact.
To use a steam cleaner properly, start by thoroughly vacuuming your carpets to remove as much dirt and debris as possible. Once you’ve done this, fill the steam cleaner with water and add a cleaning solution of your choice.
Then begin steaming the carpets in small sections, starting at one end and working your way to the other. You can also use the nozzle attachment to get into hard-to-reach areas, such as corners and around furniture legs.
Once you’re done, allow the carpets to air dry for at least eight hours before allowing any pets or humans back in the room. This will ensure that all the fleas and their eggs have been killed by the steam.
If you found there are fleas in your mattress, go for steam cleaner for mattress recommendation.
Conclusion
Dealing with a flea infestation can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to get rid of them for good. Be sure to treat your pet with a quality shampoo or spot treatment and wash their bedding in hot water. You should also vacuum your carpets and furniture regularly and clean your home with a disinfectant or insecticidal spray. By taking these steps, you can say goodbye to those pesky fleas once and for all!
