Fleas in clothing can cause discomfort, health risks, and other problems. It is important to take steps to prevent and eliminate flea infestations in clothing and throughout the home.
Once fleas are on clothing, they can be difficult to remove. Fleas can hide in the fibers, seams, and folds of the fabric, making it challenging to eliminate them with washing and drying alone.
It is important to take steps to prevent flea infestations in the home and to treat pets for fleas to minimize the risk of fleas spreading to clothing and other surfaces. So, Here is a complete guide about getting rid of fleas from clothing during laundry.
What Are Fleas
Fleas are small, wingless insects that belong to the order Siphonaptera. They are external parasites that feed on the blood of mammals and birds, including humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, and birds.
Fleas have long, narrow bodies that are adapted for jumping, allowing them to move quickly and easily from host to host.
Fleas are known for their ability to reproduce rapidly, with female fleas laying hundreds of eggs throughout their lifespan.
The eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on organic matter and debris in the environment before pupating and emerging as adult fleas.
Fleas can cause a variety of problems for their hosts, including skin irritation, allergic reactions, and the transmission of diseases.
Flea bites can cause red, itchy bumps on the skin, and in some cases, can lead to secondary infections.
Preventing flea infestations requires treating pets for fleas, vacuuming regularly, and washing bedding and clothing in hot water. Know about, Killing ringworm in laundry
How Can Fleas Reach To Clothes
Fleas can reach clothes in a few different ways:
- From pets: Pets, such as cats and dogs, are common carriers of fleas. Fleas can jump from the pet’s fur onto clothing that comes into contact with the pet.
- From infested environments: Fleas can be present in infested environments such as carpets, furniture, and bedding.
Fleas can jump from these surfaces onto clothing that comes into contact with them. - From other people or animals: Fleas can also be spread from other people or animals that are infested with fleas.
If you come into contact with an infected person or animal, fleas can jump onto your clothing and hitch a ride to a new location.
What Do Fleas Look Like On Clothes
Fleas on clothes are usually difficult to spot since they are tiny and move quickly. However, you may be able to see them if you look closely. Fleas are small, dark brown or black insects that are about 1/8 inch (3 mm) long. The adult flea varies from about 0.1 to 0.32 cm (0.039 to 0.13 inch) in length.
They have flat bodies that are adapted for crawling through hair or fur, and they have powerful legs that allow them to jump up to 7 inches (18 cm) vertically and up to 13 inches (33 cm) horizontally.
If you notice small, dark-colored insects jumping off your clothes, or if you experience itching or bites on your skin, it is possible that you have fleas on your clothes. You may also notice small black or brown specks on your clothes, which are flea feces or eggs.
If you suspect that you have fleas on your clothes, it is essential to take immediate action to eliminate them to prevent further infestation. Know, Does dish soap kill mold
Can Fleas Live In Clothes
Yes, fleas can live in clothes. Fleas are small, agile insects that can jump and crawl onto clothing, where they can lay their eggs and reproduce. Fleas can hide in the fibers of clothing, as well as in folds, crevices, and seams. They may also attach to items like hats, scarves, and other accessories.
If you have a flea infestation in your home, it is important to wash your clothes, bedding, and other fabrics in hot water to kill any fleas, eggs, or larvae that may be present.
It is important to note that fleas are primarily attracted to warm-blooded animals like dogs and cats, but they can also infest humans. Read, Can detergent freeze
How To Get Rid Of Fleas On Clothes
Getting rid of fleas on clothes can be challenging, but it is possible. Here are some steps you can take to eliminate fleas on your clothes:
1. Wash your clothes in hot water
Fleas cannot survive in hot water, so washing your clothes in hot water is an effective way to kill them. Make sure to set the temperature to at least 140°F (60°C).
2. Use laundry detergent
Laundry detergent is also effective at killing fleas. Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent Liquid Free & Clear is best for flea killing. Choose a detergent that contains enzymes, which can help break down the flea’s exoskeleton and kill them.
3. Dry your clothes on high heat
After washing your clothes, dry them on high heat for at least 30 minutes. The heat will kill any remaining fleas and their eggs.
4. Vacuum your home
Fleas can hide in carpets, upholstery, and bedding. Vacuuming your home can help remove fleas and their eggs from these surfaces. Vacuum your home regularly to remove any fleas and their eggs that may be hiding in carpets, and bedding.
5. Use flea repellent
You can use flea repellent on your clothes to help prevent fleas from attaching to them. There are many natural and chemical options available, including essential oils like lavender and peppermint, as well as sprays containing insecticides.
6. Consult a pest control professional
If you have a severe flea infestation, you may need to consult a pest control professional to help eliminate the fleas. They can offer advice on how to get rid of fleas on your clothes and throughout your home.
NOTE: Wash your clothes in hot water and dry them on high heat, and vacuum your home thoroughly to remove any fleas, eggs, or larvae that may be present. Consult a pest control professional if you have a severe flea infestation. Read, Why most of the detergents are only blue
Can Fleas Bite Through Clothing
Fleas can bite through clothing, particularly if the clothing is thin or tight-fitting. Fleas have strong jaws that are adapted for biting through the skin of their hosts, and they can also bite through fabrics that are not thick or tightly woven.
However, wearing clothing can offer some protection against flea bites. Clothing can create a barrier between the skin and the fleas, making it more difficult for the fleas to bite through the fabric. Wearing long sleeves and pants can also provide additional protection against flea bites.
It is important to note that fleas can still bite exposed skin areas, such as the ankles, wrists, and neck, even if clothing is worn. Additionally, if there are fleas present in the clothing, they can easily transfer to the skin and bite the host.
To prevent flea bites, it is important to eliminate fleas from the home and treat pets for fleas. If you are spending time in an area where fleas may be present, such as a park or a wooded area.
It is recommended to wear long sleeves and pants and to use insect repellent on exposed skin areas to further prevent flea bites. Know about, Banned laundry detergents in New York
How Long Can Fleas Live On Clothes
Fleas can survive on clothes for several days to several weeks, depending on the temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors. Fleas require a warm, humid environment to survive and reproduce, so they may be able to survive longer on clothes that are stored in a warm and humid area.
According to some studies, fleas can survive for up to two weeks without a host, although their survival time may be shorter in hot and dry conditions.
Flea eggs and larvae can also stay in clothes and other fabrics, making it important to wash and dry your clothes thoroughly to kill all stages of the flea life cycle.
Do I Have To Wash All My Clothes If I Have Fleas
If you have fleas in your home, it is recommended that you wash all of your clothes and bedding to eliminate the fleas and prevent them from spreading.
Fleas can easily hide and lay eggs in clothing, bedding, and other fabrics, so washing these items is an important step in controlling the infestation.
Sort your clothes by color and fabric type. Wash clothes that have come into contact with fleas separately from other clothes.
Fleas cannot survive in hot water, so wash your clothes in the hottest water with the best laundry detergent that is safe for the fabric and kill the fleas. Use a temperature of at least 140°F (60°C).
In addition to washing your clothes, it is important to treat your home and pets for fleas to eliminate the infestation completely. Consult a pest control professional for advice on how to control fleas in your home. Know, Unfreeze the washing machine
Does Dryer Kill Fleas From Clothing
Yes, drying clothes in a dryer on high heat can kill fleas and their eggs that may be present in the fabric. Fleas are sensitive to high temperatures, and exposure to high heat can kill them at all stages of their life cycle, including eggs, larvae, and adult fleas.
To effectively kill fleas in clothing, it is important to wash the clothes in hot water first, as washing can help loosen and remove flea dirt, eggs, and larvae from the fabric.
After washing, the clothes should be dried on high heat for at least 30 minutes to kill any remaining fleas and eggs.
While drying clothes in a dryer on high heat can help kill fleas, it is important to note that it may not be effective for heavily infested items or for items that cannot be washed or dried at high temperatures.
In these cases, it may be necessary to seek the assistance of a professional pest control service.
Will Putting Clothes In Plastic Bags Kill Fleas
Putting clothes in plastic bags alone will not necessarily kill fleas. Fleas can survive for several days without a host and can crawl into small crevices, so simply sealing your clothes in plastic bags may not be enough to eliminate them.
However, you can use plastic bags as part of a larger strategy to get rid of fleas. After washing and drying your clothes, store them in sealed plastic bags to prevent fleas from crawling back in. Make sure to seal the bags tightly to prevent any air from getting in. Know, Best laundry detergent for Airbnb
Disadvantages Of Fleas In Clothing
Fleas in clothing can pose several disadvantages, including:
- Skin irritation: Flea bites can cause red, itchy bumps on the skin, which can be very uncomfortable and can lead to secondary infections.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to flea saliva, which can cause an allergic reaction characterized by hives, itching, and swelling.
- Transmission of diseases: Fleas can transmit diseases to their hosts, including the bubonic plague, typhus, and murine typhus.
- Pet infestation: Fleas in clothing can easily transfer to pets, leading to a flea infestation in the home.
- Difficulty in removing: Fleas can be difficult to remove from clothing, as they can hide in the fibers, folds, and seams of the fabric.
- Reinfestation: If fleas are not eliminated from clothing, they can easily reinfest the home and cause a persistent infestation.
Conclusion
In summary, while storing your clothes in sealed plastic bags may help prevent fleas from attaching to them, it is important to take additional steps to eliminate fleas from your home and prevent re-infestation. Read for, Antifungal laundry detergents
If you have a severe flea infestation, you may need to consult a pest control professional to help eliminate the fleas. They can offer advice on how to get rid of fleas on your clothes and throughout your home.
References
- https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef602 – by Michael F. Potter, Extension Entomologist, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture
- https://www.healthline.com/health/can-fleas-bite-through-clothes – By Corey Whelan, Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN
- https://www.britannica.com/animal/flea – by Robert Traub, The Editor of Encyclopedia Britannica