How can you get rid of fleas that have infested a bed? - briefly
Wash all sheets, blankets, and pillowcases in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat; vacuum the mattress and frame thoroughly, then apply a flea‑kill spray or powder safe for bedding, and treat any pets with a veterinarian‑approved flea control product.
How can you get rid of fleas that have infested a bed? - in detail
Remove all bedding, pillowcases, and blankets. Place them in a washing machine on the hottest cycle the fabric can tolerate, add a full‑dose laundry detergent, and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Heat kills all life stages of fleas.
Vacuum the mattress, box spring, and surrounding floor thoroughly. Use a vacuum with strong suction, paying special attention to seams, tufts, and crevices where eggs and larvae may hide. After vacuuming, immediately seal the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outside the home.
Apply a mattress‑specific insecticide or a flea‑targeted spray approved for indoor use. Follow the product label precisely: spray evenly over the entire surface, allow the recommended dwell time, and ventilate the room as instructed. For added protection, sprinkle a thin layer of diatomaceous earth on the mattress, leave it for 24 hours, then vacuum again.
Treat any pets that share the sleeping area. Use a veterinarian‑recommended flea control regimen—topical treatments, oral medications, or collars—consistent with the animal’s size and health status. Bathing pets with a flea shampoo can reduce the immediate adult population.
Wash or replace the mattress protector and any nearby upholstered furniture. If the mattress is heavily infested and cannot be fully decontaminated, consider encasing it in a zippered, flea‑proof cover or disposing of the mattress entirely.
Maintain a low‑humidity environment (below 50 %). Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to inhibit flea development. Keep the bedroom floor free of clutter, vacuum weekly, and repeat the insecticide application according to the product’s re‑treatment schedule, typically every two weeks for the first month.
Monitor the situation by inspecting bedding and pets daily for live fleas or signs of bites. Continue preventive measures for at least eight weeks, the duration of the flea life cycle, to ensure eradication.