Fleas have appeared in the house: what should be done and how to get rid of them? - briefly
Vacuum all carpets, upholstery, and floor seams, wash bedding and pet textiles in hot water, then treat infested zones with a registered indoor flea spray. Repeat the cleaning and application after 7–10 days to interrupt the flea life cycle.
Fleas have appeared in the house: what should be done and how to get rid of them? - in detail
When fleas are discovered inside a residence, immediate action prevents rapid population growth and reduces the risk of bites.
First, identify the source. Adult fleas, larvae, and eggs often hide on pets, bedding, carpets, and cracks in flooring. Inspect all animals for live insects or small black specks (flea dirt) and treat them promptly.
Pet treatment
- Apply a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral adulticide.
- Use a flea comb daily for a week, disposing of collected insects in hot, soapy water.
- Wash pet bedding at 60 °C (140 °F) after each treatment.
Environmental control
- Vacuum every carpet, rug, and upholstered surface thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
- Steam‑clean heavy fabrics; heat kills all life stages.
- Wash all linens, curtains, and removable covers in hot water, then dry on high heat.
- Sprinkle a fine layer of diatomaceous earth on carpets and leave for 48 hours before vacuuming; the abrasive particles dehydrate insects.
Chemical intervention
- Apply an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen to cracks, baseboards, and under furniture; IGRs prevent larvae from maturing.
- Use a residual spray containing an adulticide (e.g., permethrin, bifenthrin) on carpets, pet areas, and cracks; follow label directions regarding ventilation and re‑application intervals.
- For severe infestations, consider a fogger labeled for indoor flea control, ensuring all occupants and pets vacate the premises during treatment and for the required re‑entry time.
Professional assistance
- Contact a licensed pest‑control operator if DIY measures fail after two weeks or if the infestation covers more than a single room. Professionals can apply licensed products, conduct thorough inspections, and provide a treatment schedule.
Preventive measures
- Maintain regular veterinary flea prophylaxis for all pets.
- Keep indoor humidity below 50 %; low humidity hampers flea development.
- Seal gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards to reduce entry points.
- Perform weekly vacuuming and monthly deep cleaning of carpets and upholstery.
By combining pet treatment, rigorous cleaning, targeted chemical applications, and ongoing prevention, a household can eliminate an active flea problem and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.