How can fleas that have infested a house be eliminated? - briefly
Treat pets with a veterinarian‑approved flea product, then wash all bedding, vacuum carpets and upholstery, and discard the vacuum bag. Apply a household flea spray or fogger to cracks, floors, and pet areas, and repeat after the eggs hatch to ensure complete eradication.
How can fleas that have infested a house be eliminated? - in detail
Fleas thrive in warm, humid environments and multiply quickly, so a comprehensive approach is required to eradicate them from a residence.
First, treat all animals that have access to the home. Apply a veterinarian‑approved adulticide or growth regulator to each pet, following the product’s dosage schedule. Repeat the treatment according to the label, usually every 7–14 days, to break the life cycle.
Second, remove eggs, larvae, and pupae from the indoor environment. Perform these actions:
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and floor seams thoroughly. Empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed bag and discard it outside the house.
- Wash all bedding, pet blankets, and removable fabric covers in hot water (minimum 130 °F) and dry on high heat.
- Steam‑clean carpets and upholstery; the temperature destroys immature stages.
- Sprinkle a fine layer of diatomaceous earth or a synthetic insect growth regulator on carpets, under furniture, and in cracks. Leave for 24 hours before vacuuming.
Third, apply a residual insecticide specifically labeled for indoor flea control. Target areas where pets rest, along the baseboards, under furniture, and in cracks. Use a product containing an adulticide (e.g., permethrin, bifenthrin) combined with an insect growth regulator (e.g., methoprene, pyriproxyfen) to prevent re‑infestation. Follow safety instructions, keep the space ventilated, and restrict pet and human access until the product dries.
Fourth, treat outdoor zones that serve as sources of reinfestation. Trim vegetation, remove debris, and apply an outdoor flea spray around the foundation, pet entry points, and shaded areas.
Fifth, monitor progress. Place sticky flea traps in high‑traffic zones and inspect pets weekly. Continue the pet treatment and environmental maintenance for at least four weeks, as flea pupae can emerge up to two months after the initial infestation.
If infestation persists despite these measures, engage a licensed pest‑control professional. They can deploy advanced products, such as foggers or heat treatments, and provide a customized schedule to ensure complete eradication.