Fleas can survive through winter months – especially when temperatures do not drop below freezing.
Do you think if your pets are indoors that your pets can’t get fleas? Think again! If your pets occasionally escape to the outdoors or if you live in a duplex or apartment building with attached units, there are certainly opportunities for your furry friends to get dreaded fleas. You also need to consider that even if your pets do not go outdoors, house guests with pets can also potentially bring in fleas along with their good cheer.
Another common misconception about fleas is that they all die off in the winter, but fleas can survive through winter months – especially when temperatures do not drop below freezing. Fleas will die in freezing temperatures, but if they are in protected areas like your home then they can easily survive and thrive through colder months.
The most common flea species is the cat flea, but don’t be fooled by the name – it will infest both dogs and cats, in addition to wild animals such as racoons, squirrels, skunks and opossums. Bites to humans are typically found around the lower legs and ankles since adult fleas harbor in carpet or on the ground and can jump approximately 8 inches in the air – quite a feat considering 8 inches is 150 times the height of a flea. To put that in perspective, a human with flea like jumping ability would be able to jump 750 feet in the air! Preventative flea medications from your veterinarian can help protect your pet, but give us a call if you experience the winter flea blues.