Fleas in a wooden house, what should I do? - briefly
Treat the infestation by applying a wood‑safe insecticide to all seams, cracks, and surfaces, then thoroughly vacuum, wash bedding, and use a flea‑specific fogger or hire a licensed pest‑control service for complete eradication.
Fleas in a wooden house, what should I do? - in detail
Fleas thrive in environments where organic debris and moisture accumulate. In a timber dwelling, cracks, gaps, and untreated wood provide ideal hiding places. Immediate action reduces the risk of bites, secondary skin infections, and long‑term infestation.
First, eliminate sources of food and shelter. Remove pet bedding, vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward. Wash all linens, blankets, and pet blankets in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Scrape and dispose of any wood shavings, sawdust, or accumulated dust from floorboards and joists.
Second, treat the interior surfaces. Apply a residual insecticide labeled for flea control to baseboards, cracks, and crevices. Follow label instructions regarding concentration, ventilation, and re‑application intervals. For wood that cannot tolerate chemicals, use diatomaceous earth lightly dusted into gaps; the abrasive particles desiccate adult fleas and larvae.
Third, address the outdoor perimeter. Trim vegetation within a two‑meter radius of the house, remove leaf litter, and keep pet waste promptly disposed of. Treat shaded areas with a non‑repellent flea spray or granules, focusing on soil and mulch where adult fleas may lay eggs.
Fourth, manage animal hosts. Administer a veterinarian‑approved flea preventive to all pets, ensuring monthly dosing or long‑acting formulations as prescribed. Inspect pets daily for signs of fleas—tiny moving specks, itching, or dark fecal specks (flea dirt). Treat any infested animal with a fast‑acting adulticide and a larvicide to break the life cycle.
Fifth, monitor progress. Continue weekly vacuuming for at least four weeks, disposing of debris each time. Repeat insecticide applications according to the product’s residual period, typically every two to four weeks until no fleas are detected. Use sticky traps placed near suspected activity zones to verify eradication.
If infestations persist after three treatment cycles, enlist a licensed pest‑control professional. They can perform a thorough inspection, employ heat or fogging treatments, and advise on structural modifications—such as sealing cracks, installing moisture barriers, or replacing heavily infested timber sections—to prevent future outbreaks.