Does Vacuuming Kill Fleas?
- It is unknown precisely how vacuuming kills fleas, considering that postmortems are extremely difficult to do on fleas, notes entomologist Glen Needham of Ohio State University. The theory is that vacuuming removes a waxy coating on their exoskeletons or shells. Without this protective layer, the flea body or egg loses all moisture and dies. Vacuuming can stimulate flea pupae to leave their cocoons immediately. Their vulnerable bodies can more easily get into contact with any pesticides.
- Although female fleas lay their eggs on the host, the eggs do not stay on the host's body. They fall off wherever the animal or person rests or stays the most. Flea eggs can then fall on pet bedding, grass, kennels, beds, couches, furniture and the carpeting. These eggs hatch in two to 14 days. Vacuuming attacks many flea eggs and newly hatched larvae where they live.
- Choose flea powder or granules made specifically for use on carpeting and soft furniture. First perform a patch test to see if it stains the fabric. Place a tiny pinch on one seldom-seen part of the carpet such as the area under a chair leg. Leave the product in place as long as the manufacturer suggests, and vacuum. If nothing happens to the appearance of the carpet, use it on the whole carpet and vacuum. After vacuuming, immediately remove the bag and dispose of it in a garbage can outdoors. However, it is better to vacuum without flea control products than to delay vacuuming in order to get a hold while you wait to obtain these products.
- Do not place mothballs, cedar chips, flea collars or pesticides inside of the vacuum cleaner bag before vacuuming. The fumes created by these items inside a hot vacuum cleaner could make people and pets sick. In any case, adding anything to the bag is not necessary to kill fleas. The journey through the vacuum parts is enough.
