Fleas have appeared in the house: how to get rid of them at home? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum carpets, upholstery and pet bedding, then wash all linens in water above 60 °C; follow with a pet‑safe insecticide spray or a dusting of diatomaceous earth. Repeat the treatment after seven days to interrupt the flea life cycle and prevent reinfestation.
Fleas have appeared in the house: how to get rid of them at home? - in detail
Fleas infestation inside a dwelling requires a systematic approach that combines immediate removal, environmental treatment, and preventive measures.
The first step is to eliminate adult insects and immature stages from pets. Bathing dogs and cats with a veterinarian‑approved flea shampoo removes a large portion of the population. Following the bath, a veterinarian‑recommended topical or oral insecticide should be applied to maintain killing activity for several weeks.
Next, treat the indoor environment. Vacuum all carpeted areas, rugs, upholstery, and cracks in flooring daily for at least two weeks; dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag before discarding. After vacuuming, apply a residual insecticide spray labeled for indoor flea control to baseboards, under furniture, and in crevices. For hard surfaces, a fogger or aerosol containing an appropriate adulticide can be used, ensuring the space is vacated during treatment and aired out afterward.
Address bedding and linens by washing them at temperatures of at least 60 °C (140 °F) for a minimum of 30 minutes. Repeat washing after the first treatment cycle to capture newly emerged fleas.
A comprehensive list of actions:
- Pet treatment
- Shampoo with flea‑killing formula.
- Apply veterinarian‑approved topical or oral medication.
- Environmental cleaning
- Vacuum daily; discard debris in sealed bags.
- Steam‑clean carpets and upholstery where possible.
- Chemical control
- Spray residual insecticide on baseboards, cracks, and under furniture.
- Use indoor fogger or aerosol for thorough coverage, following label instructions.
- Linen sanitation
- Wash bedding, curtains, and removable covers at ≥60 °C.
- Repeat washing after two weeks.
- Prevention
Monitoring continues for at least four weeks, as flea life cycles can extend up to three weeks from egg to adult. Sticky traps placed near pet sleeping areas help verify the effectiveness of the intervention. If infestation persists after two treatment cycles, professional pest‑control services should be consulted for a more aggressive regimen.