How can a house be cleaned of fleas? - briefly
Vacuum all carpets, rugs, and upholstered surfaces, then discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed container. Apply an EPA‑registered indoor flea spray or fogger, targeting cracks, baseboards, and pet bedding, and repeat the treatment after one week.
How can a house be cleaned of fleas? - in detail
Fleas survive on a host and in the surrounding environment, so eradication requires simultaneous treatment of animals, indoor surfaces, and outdoor zones.
Begin by treating all pets with a veterinarian‑approved adulticide or monthly preventative. Apply the product according to the label, ensuring full coverage of the animal’s coat and skin. Repeat the treatment after seven days to kill newly emerged insects that were in the pupal stage during the first application.
Next, eliminate eggs, larvae, and adults from the interior.
- Vacuum every carpet, rug, upholstered chair, and floor covering. Move furniture to reach hidden areas, then discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed trash bag.
- Wash all bedding, pet blankets, and removable covers in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Apply a residual insecticide spray or fogger labeled for indoor flea control, covering baseboards, cracks, crevices, and under furniture. Follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions, ventilating the space as required.
- Treat pet‑access areas with a flea growth regulator (IGR) to prevent development of future generations.
Address outdoor sources that can reinfest the house.
- Trim grass, remove leaf litter, and keep the yard free of debris.
- Apply a targeted outdoor flea spray around the perimeter of the property, focusing on shaded, humid spots where fleas thrive.
- Consider treating any outdoor pet shelters or kennels with the same IGR used indoors.
Finally, maintain a preventive regimen. Continue monthly pet preventatives, repeat vacuuming and washing of high‑risk items weekly for the first month, then biweekly for two additional months. Monitor for flea activity using sticky traps or visual inspection, and reapply insecticide if signs reappear. Consistent application of these measures will eradicate the infestation and keep the environment flea‑free.