Fleas have infested the house, what should I do? - briefly
Treat pets with a veterinarian‑approved flea control product, wash all bedding, curtains, and upholstery in hot water, then vacuum thoroughly. Apply a residual indoor flea spray following label instructions to eliminate remaining insects.
Fleas have infested the house, what should I do? - in detail
Flea activity becomes evident through bites on occupants, sudden pet scratching, and the presence of small dark specks in bedding or carpet. Understanding the insect’s development—egg, larva, pupa, adult—clarifies why eradication requires repeated actions over several weeks.
Immediate measures focus on eliminating existing stages in the environment.
- Vacuum all floors, upholstery, and cracks; discard the bag or clean the canister immediately.
- Launder bedding, curtains, and pet fabrics in water exceeding 60 °C.
- Apply a residual spray labeled for indoor flea control to baseboards, under furniture, and around pet resting areas, following label directions precisely.
Pet treatment prevents re‑infestation from the primary host. Options include:
- Topical spot‑on products applied to the animal’s neck region.
- Oral systemic medications administered according to veterinary dosage schedules.
- Flea collars containing approved insecticides for continuous protection.
Environmental interventions complement direct cleaning. Options are:
- Foggers or “total release aerosols” for severe outbreaks, used only in unoccupied rooms with ventilation afterward.
- Natural powders such as diatomaceous earth spread on carpets and left for 48 hours before vacuuming.
- Insect growth regulators (IGRs) that inhibit development of eggs and larvae, applied to cracks and crevices.
When chemical or DIY methods fail, professional pest‑control services provide targeted treatments, including heat‑based extermination and specialized insecticide applications that reach hidden habitats.
Long‑term prevention relies on routine practices:
- Weekly vacuuming of floors and upholstery.
- Regular grooming and flea‑preventive medication for all pets.
- Maintaining a tidy yard, trimming grass, and removing debris that can harbor flea larvae.
Consistent execution of these steps breaks the flea life cycle, removes existing populations, and reduces the likelihood of future infestations.