How can you drive fleas out of the house? - briefly
Vacuum all carpets, rugs, and upholstery, then wash bedding and pet blankets in water above 60 °C; follow with an EPA‑approved flea spray applied to cracks, baseboards, and pet sleeping areas, repeating after the lifecycle completes.
How can you drive fleas out of the house? - in detail
Fleas survive in carpets, bedding, and pet‑hosting areas; removing them requires a systematic approach.
Identify infested zones by inspecting pets, furniture seams, and floor coverings. Use a fine‑toothed comb on animals, checking the base of the tail and under the neck. Collect any visible insects for verification.
Implement a cleaning protocol:
- Vacuum all carpeted surfaces, upholstery, and cracks daily; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag before disposal.
- Wash bedding, blankets, and removable covers in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Steam‑clean carpets and rugs; steam temperature of 100 °C penetrates deep layers, killing hidden life stages.
Treat pets concurrently. Apply a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral adulticide that also affects immature stages. Follow product instructions precisely; repeat treatment after the life cycle completes (approximately two weeks).
Apply environmental insecticides:
- Use a residual spray labeled for indoor flea control, targeting baseboards, under furniture, and pet sleeping areas. Apply in thin, even coats; avoid overspray.
- Deploy flea foggers only in sealed rooms, following label warnings. After fogging, vacate the premises for the recommended period, then aerate thoroughly before re‑entry.
Maintain low humidity (below 50 %) and moderate temperature (18‑22 °C) to impede flea development. Use a dehumidifier if necessary.
Monitor progress by placing sticky traps near suspected hotspots; replace weekly. Continue the cleaning and treatment cycle for at least three weeks to break the flea life cycle completely. If infestation persists, contact a licensed pest‑control professional for targeted interventions.