Loel asked 8 years ago
Hi Adam, I live in Santa Fe, New Mexico where the humidity is very low year round. I have brick floors throughout the house. I think I found a flea on my dog. If I get a dehumidifier in this environment, will it work? If not, what alternatives do you suggest for getting rid of them? I do have in floor heat that I could turn on. I vacuum daily and wash dog bedding daily. I washed both dogs several times and rubbed diatomaceous earth into their skin. I have never seen anything black in the flea comb on either dog. All I have ever found was a live flea on one dog a week ago. Thanks, Loel
Adam Retzer Staff answered 8 years ago
Hello Loel,
Fleas can’t live in low humidity. Pre-adult stages die in anything lower than 50% RH. That said, a dehumidifier isn’t an effective control measure. This is because larvae seek out dark, humid locations, such as at the base of carpets. They live in micro-habitats that have their own regulated micro-environment, which is unaffected by surrounding conditions.
It doesn’t sound like you have a current infestation. You’re being proactive with the flea comb, vacuuming, laundering, and shampooing. Plus, your home has brick floors, which is a poor environment for fleas to develop in.
The vacuuming can be cut down to every other day. Laundering the pet bedding and rugs can be done weekly. Also, shampooing your dogs too often may remove their natural oils and dry out their skin, causing irritation.
Continue your regimen for a couple weeks. If you don’t see any new fleas on your dogs with the flea comb, I think it’s safe to assume you’re in the clear.
However, fleas can always spring up again as a result of infested wildlife entering your yard. This is likely where the flea you found came from. If you want to treat the yard, an insect growth regulator (IGR) concentrate can be used, such as Nyguard. These compounds mimic the natural insect hormones that regulate development. Exposed females can’t lay eggs. Exposed eggs and larvae can’t pupate. However, outdoor treatments are probably over-kill in your current situation.
Warm regards,
Adam
