How can a house be cleaned of cat fleas? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery, wash all bedding and fabrics in hot water, treat the cat with a veterinarian‑approved flea product, and apply a residual indoor spray or fogger to eliminate any remaining insects.
How can a house be cleaned of cat fleas? - in detail
Eliminate the flea population by attacking every reservoir: the pets, the indoor environment, and any outdoor access points.
Treat the cat first. Apply a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral medication that kills adult fleas and prevents eggs from hatching. Follow the product’s dosing schedule precisely; repeat the treatment after seven days to break the life cycle.
Remove all infested material. Strip the cat’s bedding, blankets, and any washable fabrics. Wash each item in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Non‑washable items should be placed in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks, the typical duration of the flea egg‑to‑adult development period.
Thoroughly clean the interior surfaces. Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and floor cracks repeatedly, paying special attention to pet‑frequented zones. After each vacuuming session, immediately discard the bag or empty the canister into a sealed container and dispose of it outdoors. Follow the vacuuming with a steam‑cleaning pass on hard surfaces and upholstery; the heat kills eggs and larvae that survive suction.
Apply an environmental insecticide. Choose a product labeled for indoor flea control that contains an adulticide (e.g., permethrin, pyrethrin) and an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen. Spray the insecticide according to label directions, covering baseboards, under furniture, cracks, and crevices where fleas hide. Treat pet bedding, pet carriers, and any fabric that cannot be laundered. Allow the treated areas to dry completely before re‑occupying the space.
Address outdoor entry points. Trim grass and vegetation within two feet of the house foundation. Seal gaps around doors, windows, and utility penetrations to reduce flea migration from neighboring yards. If the yard is heavily infested, apply a pet‑safe outdoor flea spray to shaded, humid zones where fleas thrive.
Monitor for residual activity. Place flea traps—sticky pads or light‑attracted devices—near typical resting spots. Continue weekly vacuuming for at least three weeks. Re‑apply the IGR component of the insecticide after four weeks, as recommended by the manufacturer, to prevent any newly emerged adults from reproducing.
Maintain preventive measures. Keep the cat on a continuous flea‑preventive regimen prescribed by a veterinarian. Regularly wash pet bedding and vacuum high‑traffic areas. Conduct periodic inspections of the home’s perimeter to catch early re‑infestations before they spread.