Fleas are jumping around the house: how to get rid of them? - briefly
Vacuum all floors and upholstery, wash bedding and pet blankets in hot water, and treat pets with a veterinarian‑approved flea medication; then apply a household flea spray or fogger according to the label directions to eliminate remaining insects.
Fleas are jumping around the house: how to get rid of them? - in detail
Fleas thrive in warm, humid environments and can quickly spread from pets to carpets, bedding, and furniture. Adult fleas jump several inches, allowing them to move from a host to surrounding areas, where they lay eggs that fall into fabrics and cracks. Understanding the life cycle—egg, larva, pupa, adult—helps target each stage effectively.
The first step is to eliminate visible adults on pets. Use a veterinarian‑approved adulticide shampoo or topical treatment applied directly to the animal’s skin. Follow the product’s dosage schedule to maintain efficacy for at least two weeks, covering the period when newly emerged adults emerge from pupae.
Next, remove immature stages from the home:
- Vacuum all floors, rugs, and upholstered furniture daily for two weeks; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
- Wash pet bedding, blankets, and removable covers in water hotter than 130 °F (54 °C) for at least 30 minutes.
- Steam‑clean carpets and upholstery; the high temperature kills larvae and pupae hidden in fibers.
- Sprinkle a fine layer of diatomaceous earth on carpets, leave for 48 hours, then vacuum. The abrasive particles dehydrate insects without chemicals.
Chemical control may be required for severe infestations. Apply an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen to baseboards, under furniture, and in cracks. IGRs interrupt development, preventing eggs from maturing. For adult fleas, use a residual spray containing a pyrethroid or a combination product labeled for indoor use. Follow label instructions precisely, ensuring proper ventilation and keeping pets and children away during application and drying.
Non‑chemical alternatives include:
- Trapping adult fleas with a shallow dish of soapy water placed near heat sources; the heat draws fleas upward, where they become trapped.
- Using pheromone‑based traps that attract adult fleas and immobilize them.
Preventive measures sustain a flea‑free environment:
- Maintain regular grooming and monthly preventative medication for all pets.
- Keep indoor humidity below 50 % to discourage egg and larval development.
- Inspect entry points, seal cracks, and use door‑mat traps to reduce outdoor flea ingress.
By combining immediate pet treatment, thorough cleaning, targeted chemical or non‑chemical interventions, and ongoing prevention, a household can eliminate an active flea population and prevent recurrence.