Fleas are very small insects that cannot be squashed like other insects. Being such small pests and their bodies are robust and resistant, you will not be able to kill them by stepping on them. To eliminate them correctly, you will need home treatments and flea sprays.
But do you think fleas can survive on shoes or clothes? Many people ask this question when they see that their pets have fleas, but the answer is no. Fleas are very annoying and irritating parasites, and their bites can become a health problem because they can cause anemia and dermatitis.
Fleas can not only be on your dogs and cats; these parasites can be on different pets, rodents, mammals, and even humans. But do not panic; the hair on the human body is not very thick or dense so that fleas can stay long on the leather. Also, that people bathe constantly.
Here you can learn a little more about fleas and the best way to get rid of them on your clothes and shoes.
Can Fleas Live On Clothes?
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Fleas need to feed several times a day, so it is unlikely that they can live long in your clothes and shoes. You may notice that after a walk, you have fleas on your socks, shoes, or even pants, but there is no blood in those places, and they cannot live there.
Fleas can bite humans and draw blood, but they are not strong enough to penetrate clothing. If fleas can’t get to your skin and bite you on your clothes, they won’t be able to survive more than 24 hours. But adult female fleas can lay eggs on your clothing and lay up to 20 eggs at a time, and they can multiply rapidly.
Common Places Where You Can Find Fleas
Fleas can be anywhere they can easily reach their food source, and their only favorite food is blood. This is why you can find fleas in your home living with you and your pets. These bloodsucking pests are very common in dogs and cats because of their warm blood and because they spend time outdoors.
Fleas can jump up to 6 inches high and jump to any other mammal without a problem. This is why you can find fleas hiding and feeding on your ankles. You can also see them on your shoes and clothes.
Fleas can measure about sixteenth and one-eighth of an inch and consume up to 12 times their size per day in blood. Although this is not a problem for humans or animals, they can transmit disease and cause skin irritation from their bites.
There are three flea types: dog fleas, cat fleas, and human fleas. Whatever the type of flea can feed on any host as long as it finds fresh, warm blood.
Also Read: Does Lysol Kill Fleas?
How To Eliminate Fleas On Clothes Naturally?
Humans are not the right host for fleas, so they will only bite you many times and then seek another refuge. Humans do not have a strong coat, and fleas seek to protect themselves and lay their eggs.
But if you have fleas, they can likely jump on pets, which can turn into a serious infestation. If you don’t have pets, fleas will most likely come back to you to feed. You can follow the following to get rid of them:
Wash bedding and blankets
You can put all bedding, blankets, and pet toys in the washing machine.
Vacuum everything
You can eliminate fleas from your home by vacuuming everything, vacuuming carpets, floors, mattresses, furniture, upholstery, tables, etc. If you have a very large infestation, you can find a steam cleaner so that you can kill as many fleas as possible. You can also enlist a professional’s help to be successful in no time.
Treat your pets
If your pet has fleas, you should treat them; there are currently many treatments on the market for dogs that you can use in their treatment. You can give your dog flea pills to prevent this infestation.
There are also flea collars so that they can create a barrier close to your body. You can find a lot of flea shampoo and many chemical treatments. All tick and flea treatments are effective in killing any fleas they have.
If you notice any reaction or major problems, you can contact your veterinarian for better results. When you have eliminated fleas from your pets, you should treat your entire home with special flea products.
Flea foggers can help prevent these pests from re-entering and thus protect your home.
Fleas in your shoes
If you notice fleas on your shoes, you should wash and treat them as you would your clothes. You must wash your shoes in very hot water. You can vacuum the shoes inside and use a spray to disinfect them.
Wash the clothes you wore outside
You can prevent fleas on your clothes by washing them. If you have worn clothes for wooded areas, you should wash them as soon as you get home. By washing your clothes, you can minimize fleas’ appearance inside your home.
How To Prevent Fleas On Clothes And Shoes?
If you have already treated fleas in your home and have been able to eliminate them, you should find a way to prevent their appearance.
Wash the clothes
Remember to wash your clothes before putting them on the dresser to prevent them from laying their eggs. All clothes that you wear should be washed as soon as possible to get rid of any flea when you go back. Washing your clothes can prevent an infestation in your home.
Clean and vacuum your home frequently
If you want to avoid an infestation, you must constantly clean and vacuum your house to prevent them from reproducing. Vacuum your mattress, your rugs, your furniture, and the floor.
Use insect repellants on skin and clothing
If you are going to be outdoors, you can prevent these pests using insect repellent. There are many repellants on the market that you can use to prevent these pests from approaching you. There are sprays that they can spray on both clothing and skin.
Before you go for a walk or go to a wooded area, you can use a spray-on your skin, your shoes, socks, and all your clothes in general. Always look for products that are of high quality to get much-needed prevention.
Fleas cannot live long on your shoes or clothing, but they can be a means of transportation to reach your pets. If they enter your home and reach your pet, they can become a serious infestation.
