How can I exterminate fleas in a private house? - briefly
Treat all pets with a veterinarian‑approved flea medication, vacuum carpets, upholstery, and pet areas thoroughly, wash bedding and linens in hot water, and apply a residual insecticide spray to baseboards, cracks, and pet nests. Repeat cleaning and treatment weekly for at least four weeks to interrupt the flea life cycle.
How can I exterminate fleas in a private house? - in detail
Eliminating fleas from a residence requires a systematic approach that addresses adult insects, developing larvae, and eggs hidden in the environment.
First, treat all pets. Use a veterinarian‑approved flea control product—topical spot‑on treatment, oral medication, or a flea collar—according to the label dosage. Administer the product to each animal simultaneously to prevent re‑infestation from untreated hosts.
Second, clean the indoor environment thoroughly.
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstery, and floor seams daily for at least two weeks. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister to remove captured insects.
- Wash bedding, pet blankets, and removable covers in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Steam‑clean carpets and upholstered furniture; the high temperature kills eggs and larvae that vacuuming may miss.
Third, apply a residual insecticide to the house. Choose a product labeled for indoor flea control, preferably a combination of an adulticide (e.g., permethrin, bifenthrin) and an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen. Follow these steps:
- Remove or cover food, dishes, and pet feeding areas.
- Spray cracks, baseboards, under furniture, and pet sleeping zones, maintaining the recommended concentration.
- Allow treated surfaces to dry completely before re‑occupying the rooms.
Fourth, treat outdoor zones that serve as flea reservoirs. Trim grass, remove leaf litter, and apply a yard‑appropriate flea spray or IGR around the perimeter of the property, focusing on shaded, damp areas where fleas thrive.
Finally, monitor progress. Place sticky flea traps in high‑traffic locations and inspect weekly. Continue the pet treatment regimen for at least one month after the last adult flea is observed, as eggs can hatch weeks later. If the infestation persists despite these measures, consult a professional pest‑control service for a targeted intervention.