How can a house be disinfected of fleas? - briefly
Vacuum every carpet, rug, upholstery, and crevice, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister to remove adults and eggs. Apply an EPA‑approved flea spray or fogger throughout the home and launder all bedding and pet fabrics in hot water.
How can a house be disinfected of fleas? - in detail
Fleas thrive in carpets, bedding, and pet areas; eliminating them requires a systematic approach that combines sanitation, chemical control, and environmental management.
Begin with a comprehensive cleaning routine. Vacuum all floor surfaces, upholstery, and pet crates thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard it immediately. Wash all removable fabrics—bedding, curtains, cushion covers—in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting. Scrub pet sleeping spots with a solution of mild detergent and hot water, then rinse and dry.
Apply insecticidal products specifically labeled for flea control. Use a residual spray on carpet edges, baseboards, and cracks; ensure even coverage without oversaturation. For heavy infestations, distribute a flea powder or diatomaceous earth in carpet fibers, leaving it for 24 hours before vacuuming. Foggers or “total release aerosols” may be employed in severe cases, following label instructions regarding ventilation and occupancy limits.
Address the external environment to prevent re‑infestation. Trim vegetation around the home’s perimeter, reduce moisture with a dehumidifier, and treat outdoor pet areas with an appropriate outdoor flea spray. Maintain regular grooming of pets, applying veterinary‑approved flea preventatives to eliminate adult fleas and interrupt the life cycle.
After treatment, monitor progress for at least three weeks. Place sticky flea traps in high‑traffic zones and inspect weekly. Repeat vacuuming and spot‑treat any new activity. If flea presence persists beyond this period, consider a professional pest‑control service for targeted interventions.