How to get rid of fleas in the house, what products should be used? - briefly
Use a veterinary‑approved flea spray for carpets and upholstery together with a monthly oral or topical adulticide on pets, then vacuum thoroughly and launder all bedding at high temperature. Treat outdoor areas with an insect growth regulator to block the life cycle and prevent re‑infestation.
How to get rid of fleas in the house, what products should be used? - in detail
Fleas thrive in warm, humid environments and reproduce rapidly; a single female can lay hundreds of eggs within a few weeks. Effective eradication requires simultaneous treatment of pets, indoor surfaces, and outdoor zones where the infestation originated.
Initial steps focus on sanitation. Vacuum all carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and floor seams daily for at least two weeks; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately after each session. Wash bedding, curtains, and removable covers in water exceeding 60 °C, then dry on high heat. Reduce indoor humidity to below 50 % using dehumidifiers or proper ventilation, as low moisture limits flea development.
Chemical products fall into three categories:
- Contact insecticides (sprays, aerosols) containing permethrin, bifenthrin, or cyfluthrin; apply to carpets, cracks, and pet bedding according to label directions.
- Growth regulators (IGRs) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen; disperse as powders or foggers to interrupt the life cycle by preventing egg hatching and larval maturation.
- Spot‑on treatments for pets (e.g., fipronil, imidacloprid); treat animals before environmental applications to avoid re‑infestation.
Natural alternatives include diatomaceous earth, applied thinly to carpet fibers and left for 48 hours before vacuuming, and essential‑oil blends (lavender, eucalyptus) with proven repellent activity; these should be used with caution on pets and children.
Preventive measures maintain a flea‑free environment:
- Continue monthly pet treatments throughout the year.
- Inspect pets weekly for adult fleas or flea dirt; immediate removal reduces source numbers.
- Keep lawns trimmed, remove leaf litter, and limit wildlife access to the property.
- Seal cracks and crevices in foundations and walls to diminish indoor shelter.
A coordinated approach—rigorous cleaning, targeted chemical or natural products, and ongoing pet protection—eliminates existing infestations and prevents recurrence.