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Does Steam Kill Fleas?

By Ian Chi
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Woman cleaning carpet with a steam cleaner
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Fleas are a nuisance for homeowners, especially when they invade carpets, upholstery, and pet bedding. If you’re exploring effective, non-toxic ways to get rid of fleas, you may wonder: Does steam kill fleas? The answer is yes! Steam cleaning is a powerful method for killing fleas, flea eggs, larvae, and pupae.

Here’s how steam can help eliminate a flea infestation and how to use it effectively.

Key Takeaways

  • Steam cleaning kills fleas by using high temperatures to target eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult fleas effectively.
  • It is a safe and chemical-free method that removes fleas, dirt, and allergens from carpets and upholstery.
  • Proper preparation, slow steam cleaning, and attention to cracks, bedding, and baseboards are key to flea removal.
  • Preventing re-infestation requires pet treatments, washing bedding, sealing crevices, and calling professional exterminators.

How Does Steam Cleaning Kill Fleas?

Steam cleaning works by using high temperatures and hot water vapor to kill fleas at all life stages, from eggs to adult fleas. The heat, typically exceeding 200°F, penetrates deep into carpets, crevices, and other hiding places where fleas thrive.

Here’s how steam cleaning targets fleas:

  • Destroys Flea Eggs: Flea eggs are often nestled deep in carpet fibers and pet bedding. The high heat from steam cleaning destroys these eggs, halting the flea life cycle.
  • Kills Flea Larvae and Pupae: Flea larvae and pupae are harder to reach with surface cleaning methods. Steam’s ability to reach areas like cracks, crevices, and upholstery ensures these stages are eradicated.
  • Eliminates Adult Fleas: High temperatures kill adult fleas on contact, significantly reducing their populations immediately.

By targeting the entire flea life cycle, steam cleaning can help prevent re-infestation.

Why Use Steam Cleaning for Flea Control?

Steam cleaning offers many benefits for homeowners dealing with flea problems. Here’s why it’s a go-to solution:

  1. Safe for Homeowners and Pets: Unlike treatments with harsh products, steam cleaning uses only hot water, making it safe for homes with pets or children.
  2. Deep Clean Your Home: Along with killing fleas, steam cleaning removes flea dirt, allergens, and dust from carpets and upholstery.
  3. Reaches Hidden Areas: Fleas often hide in crevices, baseboards, and areas beneath furniture. Steam cleaning can penetrate these spots, ensuring thorough eradication.
  4. Reduces Flea Populations: For larger infestations, steam cleaning dramatically reduces flea populations in a short time.

How to Get Rid of Fleas With Steam Cleaning

How to Get Rid of Fleas With Steam Cleaning

Here’s a guide to using a steam cleaner effectively for flea control:

1. Prepare the Area

To successfully eliminate fleas with steam cleaning, start by preparing your home.

Clear clutter from floors, carpets, and furniture to access all problem areas. Vacuum thoroughly to pick up loose fleas, dirt, and flea eggs, focusing on baseboards and crevices in furniture.

Once done, take the vacuum bag outside to dispose of it, preventing re-infestation.

2. Use a High-Quality Steam Cleaner

Next, use a high-quality steam cleaner capable of reaching high temperatures.

Steam cleaning carpets is especially effective for flea control, as the heat penetrates deep into the fibers to kill fleas, eggs, larvae, and pupae.

Pay extra attention to pet bedding, cracks, and baseboards where fleas tend to hide.

3. Take Your Time

Move the steam cleaner slowly over each surface to allow the heat to penetrate deeply. If the signs of infestation are severe, repeat the process every few days to ensure your home is completely flea-free.

4. Hire Professionals

If you can’t get rid of fleas with your cleaning efforts, consider hiring professional steam carpet cleaners. These carpet cleaning services can target hard-to-reach areas and ensure long-term flea eradication. 

How to Prevent Re-Infestation After Steam Cleaning

While steam cleaning is effective, combining it with other flea control methods is essential to prevent fleas from returning. Here are some additional tips:

  • Treat Pets for Fleas: To keep your pets flea-free, use a flea comb or vet-approved flea treatments, such as flea sprays or Frontline.
  • Wash Pet Bedding: Regularly wash pet bedding, blankets, and rugs in hot water to kill lingering flea eggs.
  • Maintain Outdoor Spaces: Keep your yard tidy and consider using flea control treatments in shaded or grassy areas where fleas may live.
  • Seal Crevices: Inspect your home for cracks or crevices in baseboards and flooring, sealing them to block flea hiding spots.
  • Monitor for Activity: After treatment, use a vacuum cleaner daily to eliminate any remaining flea dirt or eggs.

When to Call a Professional Exterminator

If fleas persist despite your efforts, it may be time to seek professional pest control.

At Simple Pest Management, our licensed exterminators can provide advanced flea treatment options, including hot water extraction or targeted solutions for heavily infested areas like carpets and baseboards. We can also identify areas you might have missed, such as inaccessible crevices or hidden flea populations.

If your flea problem persists or you need expert help, contact us today for a free estimate of our professional flea control services tailored to your needs.

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Author

Written By Ian Chi

Ian Chi is the President and CEO of Simple Pest Management, dedicated to providing families with effective, customer-focused pest control. Based in San Diego, Ian leads a team that prioritizes community bonds and a positive workplace, ensuring homes remain safe and pest-free. With a mission centered on family well-being, Ian believes that “the answer is Simple” for all pest issues.
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