How to get rid of fleas in the bed at home? - briefly
Strip the mattress, launder all linens in hot water, vacuum the mattress and surrounding area, then apply a flea‑killing spray or diatomaceous earth, and repeat the treatment after a week.
How to get rid of fleas in the bed at home? - in detail
Eliminating fleas from a mattress requires a systematic approach that combines cleaning, chemical treatment, and environmental control.
Begin by stripping the bedding. Wash all sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and mattress protectors in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) for at least 30 minutes. Dry on the highest heat setting the dryer allows; heat kills both adult fleas and their eggs.
Next, vacuum the entire sleeping surface. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter, moving slowly to dislodge eggs and larvae embedded in fabric fibers and crevices. After each pass, empty the canister or bag into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outdoors.
Apply an insecticide specifically labeled for indoor flea control. Choose a product containing an adulticide (e.g., permethrin, pyrethrin) and an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen. Follow the manufacturer’s directions precisely: spray the mattress, box spring, and surrounding area in a thin, even mist, allowing the surface to remain wet for the recommended contact time.
Treat the bedroom floor and any carpeted areas. Sprinkle a fine layer of diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) around the bed frame, under the mattress, and along baseboards. Leave it for 24–48 hours, then vacuum thoroughly. The abrasive particles desiccate fleas and prevent re‑infestation.
Seal any cracks or gaps in the headboard, footboard, or floorboards where fleas might hide. Replace worn or damaged mattress covers with encasements that have a zip closure rated to block insects.
Finally, maintain a regular cleaning schedule: vacuum weekly, wash bedding weekly in hot water, and repeat insecticide application every 2–3 weeks until no fleas are observed. Monitoring can be done with sticky traps placed near the bed; replace them every few days to confirm the absence of activity.
By adhering to these steps—thermal laundering, thorough vacuuming, targeted chemical treatment, desiccant application, and ongoing maintenance—the flea population in the sleeping area can be eradicated effectively.