Fleas in the house: what to do, where do they come from?

Fleas in the house: what to do, where do they come from? - briefly

Fleas usually arrive via pets, rodents, or outdoor wildlife that bring eggs and larvae into indoor environments. Effective control requires thorough cleaning, regular vacuuming, treating animals with appropriate flea products, and applying a licensed indoor insecticide.

Fleas in the house: what to do, where do they come from? - in detail

Fleas enter homes primarily through pets, wildlife, or contaminated items such as used furniture and rugs. Adult insects can jump up to 150 cm, allowing rapid spread from a single animal to surrounding areas. Eggs are deposited on the host’s fur, fall to the floor, and develop in dark, humid spaces—carpets, cracks in flooring, pet bedding, and under furniture.

Typical indicators include:

• Small, dark specks (flea dirt) on fabrics or flooring.
• Sudden itching or red bumps on humans and animals.
• Visible adult fleas moving on pets, especially near the neck and tail base.
• Presence of eggs or larvae in pet bedding or carpet fibers.

Effective control follows a three‑stage approach:

1. Immediate removal

   • Bathe pets with a veterinarian‑approved flea shampoo.
   • Apply a topical or oral adulticide to eliminate existing insects.
   • Vacuum all carpeted areas, upholstery, and cracks; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.

2. Environmental treatment

   • Wash all linens, pet bedding, and removable covers in hot water (≥ 60 °C).
   • Use a residual insect growth regulator (IGR) spray on carpets, baseboards, and hidden crevices; follow manufacturer dosage and safety instructions.
   • Place diatomaceous earth or silica aerogel in low‑traffic zones to desiccate larvae and pupae.

3. Preventive maintenance

   • Administer a monthly preventive product to each pet, as recommended by a veterinarian.
   • Keep indoor humidity below 50 % to discourage egg hatching.
   • Inspect and treat outdoor pet shelters, as they often serve as initial infestation points.

If infestations persist after two weeks of diligent treatment, consult a licensed pest‑control professional. Professional services can apply targeted foggers, heat treatments, or advanced IGR formulations that exceed the reach of consumer products. Regular monitoring—checking pets weekly and inspecting floor seams monthly—prevents re‑establishment.