How to get rid of fleas that have settled in the house and are biting? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum all carpets, floors, and upholstery, then wash bedding, pet blankets, and removable fabrics in hot water, discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister afterward. Apply a veterinarian‑approved flea treatment to pets and use an indoor flea spray or fogger according to label directions to eradicate remaining insects and prevent reinfestation.
How to get rid of fleas that have settled in the house and are biting? - in detail
Fleas inside a home require a systematic approach that combines thorough cleaning, targeted chemical control, and treatment of any animals present.
Begin with a comprehensive inspection. Identify all areas where fleas and their larvae hide: carpets, upholstery, bedding, cracks in flooring, and pet sleeping spots. Use a bright flashlight to spot dark specks and a fine-toothed comb on pets to locate adult insects.
Next, eliminate the environment that supports their life cycle.
- Vacuum every carpet, rug, and upholstered piece, moving furniture to reach edges and crevices. Immediately empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors.
- Wash all linens, removable covers, and pet bedding in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting.
- Apply steam cleaning to carpets and upholstery; steam at 100 °C kills eggs, larvae, and pupae.
Apply insecticidal products after cleaning. Choose a pesticide labeled for indoor flea control, preferably one containing an adulticide (e.g., imidacloprid, fipronil) and an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen.
- Follow label directions precisely for dosage and application method.
- Treat cracks, baseboards, and under furniture with a residual spray.
- Use a powdered or fogging formulation for hard-to-reach spaces, ensuring ventilation and personal protective equipment.
Treat all pets simultaneously. Administer a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral flea medication that contains both adulticide and IGR. Groom pets with a flea comb to remove any remaining insects and eggs.
Control the surrounding environment to prevent re‑infestation.
- Reduce indoor humidity to below 50 % with a dehumidifier; low moisture hinders flea development.
- Keep yard grass trimmed and eliminate debris where adult fleas may breed.
- Apply an outdoor flea spray around the house perimeter, focusing on shaded and moist zones.
Finally, monitor progress for at least three weeks, the duration of the flea life cycle. Continue weekly vacuuming, repeat insecticide application as recommended, and maintain regular pet medication. Persistent observation and consistent hygiene will eradicate the infestation and prevent recurrence.