How to get rid of fleas that have become entrenched? - briefly
Use an insecticide spray or fogger to treat the home, then wash all bedding, vacuum carpets and upholstery thoroughly, and repeat the process after a week. Apply a monthly flea preventative to pets to block further infestations.
How to get rid of fleas that have become entrenched? - in detail
Fleas that have nested in a home require a systematic approach that targets every stage of their life cycle. Begin with a thorough inspection to locate infested areas: carpets, pet bedding, cracks in flooring, and upholstered furniture. Identify the severity by counting adult insects on a white sheet placed under a lamp for a few minutes; a high count indicates a mature infestation.
Environmental sanitation
- Vacuum all carpeted surfaces, rugs, and upholstered pieces for at least 10 minutes per room; immediately dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the canister to prevent re‑release.
- Wash all removable fabrics (bedding, blankets, curtains) in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Apply a steam cleaner to hard floors and upholstery; temperatures above 50 °C kill eggs, larvae, and pupae.
- Seal and discard any infested pet bedding that cannot be laundered.
Pet treatment
- Administer a veterinarian‑approved adulticide that remains effective for at least one month; options include topical spot‑on products, oral systemic medications, or long‑acting collars.
- Repeat the dosage according to the product’s label, typically after 30 days, to eliminate newly hatched fleas that survived the initial treatment.
- Comb the animal’s coat with a fine‑toothed flea comb daily for two weeks, immersing the comb in soapy water after each pass to kill captured insects.
Chemical control of the premises
- Treat cracks, baseboards, and under‑furniture voids with an insect growth regulator (IGR) combined with an adulticide; the IGR prevents eggs from developing into adults, breaking the reproductive cycle.
- Use a residual spray labeled for indoor use, covering all carpeted areas, pet sleeping zones, and hidden corners; follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
- For severe cases, consider a professional fumigation service that applies a licensed pesticide capable of penetrating deep into wall voids and attic spaces.
Monitoring and prevention
- Place sticky flea traps near baseboards, under furniture, and in pet resting spots; replace traps weekly to gauge ongoing activity.
- Maintain a regular vacuuming schedule (weekly) and repeat laundering of pet linens every two weeks for the first month, then monthly thereafter.
- Keep outdoor pet areas trimmed and free of debris; apply a perimeter treatment with an outdoor flea spray to reduce re‑infestation from the yard.
By executing these steps in a coordinated manner—environmental cleaning, targeted pet medication, strategic pesticide application, and continuous monitoring—entrenched flea populations can be eradicated and prevented from returning.