Fleas from an animal in the house: what to do? - briefly
Treat the pet with a veterinary‑approved flea medication, wash bedding and vacuum all areas, then apply a household flea spray or fogger according to label directions. Repeat cleaning and treatment weekly for at least three weeks to break the life cycle.
Fleas from an animal in the house: what to do? - in detail
A pet that spends time indoors can introduce flea eggs, larvae and adult insects into the living space. These stages develop quickly; within a few days, eggs hatch, larvae feed on organic debris, and pupae emerge as adults ready to bite humans and animals.
Immediate actions
- Confine the animal to a single room; treat it with a veterinarian‑recommended adulticide.
- Bathe the pet using an insecticidal shampoo, following the label instructions for contact time.
- Comb the fur with a fine‑toothed flea comb, discarding trapped insects into soapy water.
- Wash all bedding, blankets and removable fabrics in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
Environmental control
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstery and cracks in flooring daily; empty the canister or bag into a sealed bag and discard outdoors.
- Apply a residual insect growth regulator (IGR) spray to carpets, baseboards, under furniture and pet sleeping areas; repeat according to product specifications.
- Place sticky flea traps near heat sources and pet resting spots to monitor adult activity.
- Treat outdoor resting places (e.g., dog house, balcony) with a suitable outdoor flea product.
Preventive regimen
- Administer a monthly systemic flea medication prescribed by a veterinarian; ensure dosage matches the pet’s weight.
- Use a veterinarian‑approved flea collar or topical spot‑on treatment as additional protection.
- Keep the home’s humidity below 50 % and maintain regular cleaning to reduce larval development.
- Schedule quarterly veterinary check‑ups to verify the effectiveness of the control program.
Consistent application of these measures eliminates the current infestation and minimizes the risk of recurrence.