Most people when they think of a flea infestation, think about their homes, or their pets. Rarely do other areas come to mind when considering whether you have an infestation or not. Fleas, however, are very resourceful and do not discriminate when it comes to where they will hang out waiting on a host. One place that you regularly are in other than your home, is your car. Can fleas live in a car?
Your Car and Fleas
In looking at whether you should be concerned about fleas being able to live in your car you should take a few things into consideration. First is where you live, what are the temperatures like there? If you live in an area where there is warmth and moisture you may have the perfect environment for the flea.
Doesn’t Heat Kill Them
It is no secret that fleas do not like heat as it does kill them. However, the heat must be above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. If the humidity is high, they will be less likely to die, and it may take longer for them to do so. The temperature range that is most ideal for them is 70 to 85 degrees and any humidity level that is above 70 percent is also ideal for them.
How to Eradicate Fleas in Car
If you see you have an infestation your first thoughts will be how to get rid of it, so your car becomes flea free. One of the more natural methods that can be used is something you may even have in your kitchen! Salt is a more natural option to eliminate fleas, and it can be table salt! Fine salt is what is best do not use thicker salts such as rock salts. Spray it around your car and especially pay attention to any areas where there is heavier flea infestation. Do not put it in areas that are difficult to get to. Let this sit for a few days and the salt will then dehydrate and kill the fleas. Vacuum up the salt and use a wet cloth such as a washcloth to clean any remaining residue.
Other Treatment Alternatives
If you are not looking to let salt sit in your vehicle for a few days. There are other alternatives to treat fleas. You can set flea traps or use flea sprays designed to kill them. Be sure to follow the directions for either product as they can contain chemicals. Getting fleas is never pleasant and your vehicle is the last place you want to see them! Finally, you can vacuum, and steam clean your vehicle, but you would want to if possible, use heavy duty equipment as household vacuums and steam cleaners can allow fleas to escape.
How to Avoid Getting Fleas in the Car
Unfortunately, sometimes it is not possible to prevent fleas from getting into your vehicle. You can always take preventative measures such as checking pets and yourself for fleas prior to getting in the car. You can also regularly clean your vehicle to ensure that fleas have nowhere to hide. While this is a troublesome issue it is not a hopeless one! Contact a professional exterminator if you suspect you have a serious infestation.