Study on thermal sensitivity determination of Xenopsylla cheopis and the efficacy of electric blankets for its control

Focusing on environments with close human contact, such as bedding, this research explores new strategies for the physical control of fleas.

The study systematically characterized the thermal tolerance of Xenopsylla cheopis. Fleas were exposed to temperatures of 30℃, 35℃, 40℃, 45℃, 50℃, 55℃, 60℃, 65℃, 70℃ for vary durations to establish the median lethal temperature LT₅₀ (℃) and median lethal time LT₅₀ (s), based on these findings, three commercially available electronic blankets with Anti-mite Mode were evaluated for their flea control and repellent efficacy.

The median lethal temperature LT₅₀ (℃) of fleas under 15 minutes heat exposure was 43.61℃, the median lethal time LT₅₀(s) of fleas at 40℃, 45℃, 50℃, 55℃, 60℃, 65℃, 70℃ were calculated as 4 937.82 s, 231.45 s, 47.26 s, 27.46 s, 23.59 s, 18.38 s, and 15.47 s. Furthermore, after operating the three electric blankets in anti-mite mode for 4 hours with adequate insulation, the mortality rate of fleas inside each blanket reached 100%, and the repellency rate were (96.67 ± 3.33)%, (93.60 ± 1.89)%, (95.48 ± 2.93)% respectively.

Electric blankets, as a complementary tool, can be used for the physical control of fleas in household environments, demonstrating strong potential for practical application.