How to get rid of house fleas if they have infested the home? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum floors, carpets, and upholstery, wash bedding and pet fabrics in hot water, treat pets with a veterinarian‑approved flea medication, and apply a label‑compliant environmental insecticide. Repeat vacuuming and treatment after one week to interrupt the flea life cycle.
How to get rid of house fleas if they have infested the home? - in detail
A flea infestation in a dwelling requires a systematic approach that targets adult insects, developing stages, and the environment where they thrive.
Begin with immediate removal of adult fleas. Vacuum all carpeted areas, rugs, upholstered furniture, and floor seams for at least ten minutes, discarding the bag or emptying the canister into a sealed bag outside the home. Follow with a thorough wash of all removable fabrics—bedding, curtains, pet blankets—using hot water (≥ 60 °C) and a high‑heat dryer cycle.
Treat pets simultaneously. Apply a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral adulticide, ensuring the product is appropriate for the animal’s species, weight, and age. Consult a professional if multiple animals are present or if resistance is suspected.
Address immature stages hidden in cracks, crevices, and under furniture. Use a residual insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen, applied according to label directions. The IGR interrupts development from egg to adult, breaking the life cycle.
Apply a fast‑acting adulticide spray or fogger to:
- Carpets and rugs
- Upholstered furniture
- Baseboards and floor joists
- Pet sleeping areas (after pet treatment)
Select products containing permethrin, deltamethrin, or a combination with an IGR for comprehensive coverage. Ensure proper ventilation and adhere to safety precautions for humans and animals.
Seal entry points that allow fleas or their hosts to re‑enter. Repair cracks in flooring, install door sweeps, and use screens on windows.
Maintain preventive measures:
- Continue monthly pet flea medication.
- Vacuum weekly, emptying the canister each time.
- Wash bedding and pet linens regularly in hot water.
- Inspect pets after outdoor exposure and treat promptly.
Monitor progress by placing sticky flea traps near baseboards and under furniture. A significant reduction in trapped insects within one to two weeks indicates effective control. If counts remain high after three weeks, repeat treatment cycles and consider professional pest‑control services.