Can Fleas Live On Hardwood Floors? – Methods To Remove Them🚫

When it comes to pests invading our homes, fleas are some of the most unwelcome guests. It is a great nightmare for pet owners, especially those who have wooden floors in their homes. These tiny, blood-sucking insects can make life miserable for both humans and pets. But “Can fleas live on hardwood floors?” 

Yes, fleas can live on hardwood floors. While they may lay eggs and survive temporarily, hardwood floors are not their ideal habitat. Fleas require moisture and organic debris for sustained survival, making carpets and upholstery more favorable environments.

Being hardwood flooring experts, we have enough knowledge and experience to help you out in this regard. Let’s dive into this itch-inducing question and uncover the facts:

Can Fleas Live On Hardwood Floors?

Before proceeding to the answer of this question, it is essential to know that fleas have four main stages of development: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. 

These stages play an important role in how and where do fleas live:

Flea Eggs and Larvae

Flea eggs are typically laid on their host (like your pet) but can fall onto the surrounding environment, including your hardwood floors. 

One of the most commonly asked questions is, “Can flea eggs hatch on hardwood floors?”. The answer is Yes. Once on the floor, flea eggs can hatch into larvae. These larvae are tiny, worm-like creatures that feed on organic matter, including flea feces and skin debris.

Flea Pupae

As larvae mature, they spin a protective cocoon called a pupa. Inside this cocoon, the flea undergoes metamorphosis, eventually emerging as an adult flea. Flea pupae are quite resilient and can stick to various surfaces, including hardwood floors.

Adult Fleas

Adult fleas are the ones that bite and feed on blood. They are equipped with powerful legs for jumping onto their host. Adult fleas can also emerge from their pupae on your hardwood floors, ready to jump onto any passing animal or human for a blood meal.

Where Do Fleas Live On Hardwood Floors?

Fleas on hardwood floors live in cracks, crevices, and gaps. These areas provide some shelter and concealment. However, fleas primarily use hardwood floors as transit surfaces. They prefer to lay eggs and live in areas with more moisture and organic debris. However, wood floors are not their favorite spot.

How To Identify If Your Hardwood Floors Have Fleas?

To look for fleas on wooden floors, you must be cautious and careful when searching for them. Following are the steps you may take to analyze if your home have fleas:

• Look for tiny bugs that jump when you get close. Those might be fleas.
• If your pet is itching or scratching a lot, they could have fleas. Check their fur for tiny black bugs
• Fleas leave tiny black specks (their poop) on the floor. Check for these near your pet’s favorite spots. If you find reddish feces or white eggs, this is the sign of fleas on your floors.

How To Get Rid Of Fleas On Hardwood Floors Naturally? – Best Methods

Discovering fleas on your hardwood floors can be a headache, but fear not! There are natural methods to effectively get rid of these pests without resorting to harsh chemicals. Before opting for any method, remove everything from the infected area. Here’s your guide to a flea-free home.

Vacuum Thoroughly

Start by vacuuming your hardwood floors. Focus on cracks, crevices, and corners. Use a vacuum cleaner with a strong suction and a brush attachment. This will help remove flea eggs, larvae, and pupae from the surface. 

According to research, 96% of the adult fleas and 100% of the baby fleas are killed by vacuuming. To make the process more efficient, we recommend you vacuum slowly so that it will not miss corners.

Mopping 

Usually, people ask questions like “what to mop floors with to kill fleas”, “Does mopping with Pine Sol kill fleas?”. Here is the answer to your queries. Mopping wood floors with disinfectants helps in killing fleas.

Using pine sol and water solution is a quick and reliable solution to remove fleas on floors. Take half a cup of pine sol and one bucket of water. Sprinkle the solution on hardwood floors with its junctions and joints. Make sure to clean cracks in hardwood floors. This will kill all the fleas left alive after vacuuming.

Use Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural, non-toxic powder that is deadly for fleas but safe for humans and pets. Sprinkle a fine layer of DE on your hardwood floors, especially in flea-prone areas. DE dehydrates and kills fleas upon contact.

Regular Grooming for Pets

Keep your pets clean and well-groomed. Frequent brushing and bathing can help remove fleas from their fur and prevent infestations. After outdoor walks, wash your pets’ feet with warm, soapy water. Fleas can hitch a ride into your home on your furry friend’s paws.

If your pet has toys, especially soft ones, wash or vacuum them to kill any fleas or eggs. This step is often overlooked but so important in preventing re-infestation.

Baking Soda and Salt Combo

One of the best home remedies for fleas on hardwood floors is to use baking soda and salt. Mix equal parts of baking soda and table salt. Sprinkle this mixture over your hardwood floors. Leave it for a day or two, as it dehydrates fleas and their eggs. Vacuum thoroughly afterward.

Wash Bedding and Upholstery

Fleas hide in bedding and any upholstered furniture. Wash your bedding, carpets, rugs, and any removable sofa covers in hot water to kill fleas and their eggs. Make sure to steam clean an area rug on hardwood floors outdoors. 

Flea-Repelling Essential Oils

Certain essential oils, such as lavender, eucalyptus, and cedarwood, are known to repel fleas. Mix a few drops of your chosen oil with water in a spray bottle and lightly mist your hardwood floors. Be cautious if you have pets, as some essential oils can be harmful to them. Remember, these essential oils do not kill fleas. They only repel them.

Natural Flea Collars or Herbal Sprays

Consider using natural flea collars or herbal sprays on your pets. These products often contain ingredients like citronella and neem oil, which can kill fleas. For the safe selection of products, look at the editor’s choice.

Things You Should Not Use To Remove Fleas On Wood Floors

Bleach

1. Does Bleach Kill Fleas?

Yes, bleach can kill fleas but it also damages your wooden floors. Being experts, we do not recommend you mopping with bleach on hardwood floors. As it is corrosive and fades off the finish of your floors.

Flea Bombs

Will You Still See Fleas After Bombing?

Using flea bombs is not a practical option to kill fleas. When it explodes, it has its impact on the limited area. However, the fleas have the ability to jump. They move to another part of the floor and you can find fleas still in house after treatment. These bombs contain toxic material that is harmful for the health. Research done by the University of Kentucky has proved them to be unsafe and ineffective. 

FAQs

1. Does Clorox Kill Fleas?

Yes, Clorox (bleach) can kill fleas when used correctly. A diluted bleach solution can be applied to surfaces. It should be thoroughly rinsed and cleaned afterward to ensure safety. Avoid using it directly on pets.

2. Does Salt Kill Fleas On Hardwood Floors?

Yes, salt can help kill fleas on hardwood floors. A mixture of salt and baking soda can be sprinkled on the floor, left for a day or two, and then vacuumed. The salt dehydrates fleas and their eggs, aiding in their elimination.

3. Can Fleas Live On Furniture?

Yes, fleas can live on furniture, especially if it provides hiding places and is infested with flea eggs, larvae, or pupae. Regular cleaning and treating your furniture are essential to prevent and eliminate flea infestations.

4. Can Fleas Live On Hard Surfaces?

Fleas can briefly survive on hard surfaces like hardwood floors, but they prefer soft surfaces with more moisture and organic debris for breeding and sustained survival.

5. How Long Can Fleas Live On Hardwood Floors?

Fleas can live on hardwood floors for a short time, typically a few days to a couple of weeks. However, without a host for blood meals, their survival is limited compared to carpeted areas.

6. How Long After Applying Flea Treatment Do The Fleas Die?

The time it takes for fleas to die after applying flea treatment depends on the product used. Some treatments work within hours, while others may take a few days. Read the product label for specific information on timing.

7. How Long Will I See Fleas After Treatment?

After applying flea treatment, you may continue to see fleas for a period. This can be due to newly hatching fleas or pupae that were not affected by the initial treatment. Consistent treatment and cleaning are necessary to eliminate them completely.

Conclusion

While fleas can live on hardwood floors temporarily, as they prefer soft surfaces like carpets. Taking preventive measures and using the right removal method can help keep your hardwood floors flea-free. Remember, a clean and well-maintained home is your best defense against these pesky invaders. If you found this blogpost helpful, let us know in the comment section below.