How can I kill fleas in the house myself? - briefly
Use thorough vacuuming, wash all bedding and fabrics at ≥ 60 °C, and apply an indoor‑approved flea insecticide spray, repeating the treatment weekly for three‑four weeks. Seal cracks, treat pet bedding with flea shampoo, and keep indoor humidity low to deter re‑infestation.
How can I kill fleas in the house myself? - in detail
Fleas complete a life cycle of egg, larva, pupa and adult within a few weeks; each stage requires specific conditions. Disrupting this cycle eliminates the infestation.
Identify and treat all infested zones. Focus on areas where pets rest, carpeted floors, upholstered furniture and cracks in flooring. Remove adult insects, prevent development of eggs and larvae, and create an environment hostile to survival.
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstery and pet bedding daily; discard vacuum bag or empty canister immediately.
- Wash all removable fabrics in water ≥ 60 °C; dry on high heat to kill eggs and larvae.
- Apply a fine layer of diatomaceous earth to carpets, under furniture and along baseboards; leave for 48 hours, then vacuum thoroughly.
- Use a steam cleaner (temperature ≥ 100 °C) on carpets and upholstery; steam penetrates cracks and destroys immature stages.
- Treat pets with veterinary‑approved flea control products (topical, oral or collar) to stop adult fleas from reproducing.
- Deploy flea traps: place a shallow dish of warm water with a few drops of liquid soap under a night‑light; fleas attracted to heat jump into the water and drown.
- If chemical intervention is required, select an indoor‑safe insecticide labeled for flea control; follow label directions precisely, apply to cracks, baseboards and under furniture, and keep occupants and pets away for the recommended re‑entry period.
Maintain low humidity (≤ 50 %) and regular cleaning to deter future infestations. Continuous monitoring with a flea comb on pets and periodic vacuuming sustains a flea‑free environment.