Fleas have appeared in the house: how to fight them? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum carpets and upholstery, wash all bedding and pet linens in hot water, and treat affected zones with a regulated insecticide spray, repeating the process after 7 days to interrupt the flea life cycle. If the problem remains, engage a professional pest‑control service.
Fleas have appeared in the house: how to fight them? - in detail
A flea infestation inside a residence requires a systematic approach that targets the insects, their eggs, and the environment they inhabit.
First, confirm the presence of fleas by checking pets, bedding, and carpet fibers for adult insects, dark specks, or flea dirt. Use a fine‑toothed comb on animals and a white sheet under a lamp to collect falling specimens for identification.
Next, treat the host animals. Apply a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral adulticide that kills mature fleas within hours. Repeat the dose according to the product’s label to eliminate newly emerged insects from the life cycle.
Simultaneously, eliminate immature stages in the home. Follow these steps:
- Vacuum all carpeted areas, rugs, and upholstered furniture thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag after each session.
- Wash all bedding, curtains, and removable covers in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Apply an insect growth regulator (IGR) spray to cracks, crevices, baseboards, and under furniture; the IGR prevents eggs and larvae from maturing.
- Use a residual adulticide labeled for indoor use on carpets, floors, and pet sleeping areas; follow safety instructions to protect occupants and pets.
For severe infestations, consider professional pest‑control services that can perform fogging or heat treatment, ensuring the method is compatible with household members and pets.
Maintain a preventive routine: keep pets on a regular flea‑preventive regimen, reduce humidity to below 50 % where possible, and schedule weekly vacuuming of high‑traffic zones. Monitor for recurrence by inspecting pets and the home weekly for at least two months after treatment.
By integrating host treatment, environmental decontamination, and ongoing prevention, a household can eradicate fleas and prevent re‑infestation.