How to fight small fleas in the house? - briefly
Eliminate fleas by vacuuming floors and upholstery, discarding the vacuum bag, treating pets with a vet‑approved adulticide, and applying a residual insecticide spray to cracks, carpets, and pet bedding. Repeat cleaning and treatment weekly for at least three weeks to break the life cycle.
How to fight small fleas in the house? - in detail
Fleas thrive in the warm, humid micro‑environments created by carpets, bedding, and pet‑related debris. Eliminate them by attacking each stage of their life cycle and removing the conditions that support their development.
Begin with a thorough cleaning regimen. Vacuum all floor surfaces, upholstery, and pet areas daily for at least one week; immediately discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister to prevent re‑infestation. Wash all removable fabrics—sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and pet bedding—in water hotter than 60 °C (140 °F) for a minimum of 30 minutes. Dry on the highest heat setting permissible.
Treat the environment with an adulticide and an insect growth regulator (IGR). Apply a spray or fogger labeled for indoor flea control, ensuring coverage of cracks, baseboards, and under furniture. The adulticide kills existing insects, while the IGR blocks maturation of eggs and larvae, interrupting the reproductive cycle.
Address the animal hosts. Administer a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral flea product to each pet, repeating the dose according to the manufacturer’s schedule. Groom pets with a fine‑toothed flea comb after treatment to remove any remaining insects and to monitor progress.
Consider supplemental natural methods if chemical exposure is a concern. Diatomaceous earth, applied thinly to carpets and left for 24 hours before vacuuming, desiccates exoskeletons. A solution of diluted white vinegar (1:1 with water) can be sprayed on hard surfaces to deter adult fleas, but it does not replace insecticides.
Maintain preventive conditions. Keep indoor humidity below 50 % by using dehumidifiers or ventilating rooms. Trim grass and vegetation around the house’s perimeter to reduce outdoor flea reservoirs. Regularly inspect pets and the home for early signs of re‑appearance, repeating the cleaning and treatment cycle promptly if any are detected.