Fleas are biting me, how to get rid of them? - briefly
Treat your pet with a veterinarian‑approved flea control product and simultaneously wash bedding, vacuum carpets, and apply an environmental insecticide to eradicate the infestation. Repeat the process weekly for several weeks to break the flea life cycle.
Fleas are biting me, how to get rid of them? - in detail
Fleas bite because they have found a blood source. Immediate relief and long‑term eradication require treating both the host and the surrounding environment.
First, stop the bites. Apply a topical anti‑itch cream containing hydrocortisone or a calamine lotion to reduce inflammation. Wash the affected skin with mild soap and cool water; pat dry and avoid scratching to prevent secondary infection.
Second, eliminate the insects on the host. If a pet is present, use a veterinarian‑approved flea collar, monthly topical spot‑on medication, or an oral tablet that kills adult fleas and prevents egg development. For humans, a single over‑the‑counter flea spray can be applied to clothing and bedding, following the product’s safety instructions.
Third, address the indoor habitat.
- Vacuum all carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
- Wash bedding, curtains, and pet blankets in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Apply an insecticide spray or fogger labeled for indoor flea control, focusing on cracks, baseboards, and pet resting areas. Follow the label’s dwell time before re‑entering the space.
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on carpets and leave for 24 hours before vacuuming; the fine silica particles damage flea exoskeletons.
Fourth, treat outdoor zones where pets roam. Trim grass and shrubs to reduce humidity, which fleas favor. Use a pet‑safe outdoor spray or a nematode preparation that parasitizes flea larvae in the soil. Repeat treatment every two weeks during warm months.
Finally, implement preventive measures.
- Keep pets on a regular flea‑prevention schedule prescribed by a veterinarian.
- Maintain low indoor humidity (below 50 %).
- Inspect new animals, clothing, or second‑hand furniture before bringing them indoors.
- Perform weekly vacuuming and monthly laundering of pet bedding.
By simultaneously relieving the immediate irritation, removing existing fleas, and establishing a regimen that blocks future infestations, the problem can be resolved efficiently.