How to remove fleas from a house? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum carpets, upholstery, and floor seams, then dispose of the vacuum contents and launder all bedding and curtains in hot water. Apply a pet‑safe flea insecticide spray or fogger throughout the home and treat all animals with a veterinarian‑approved flea control product.
How to remove fleas from a house? - in detail
Eliminating a flea infestation from a residence requires a systematic approach that addresses the insects, their larvae, and the environment in which they thrive.
First, treat all pets. Apply a veterinarian‑approved adulticide or flea collar, and administer a monthly oral or topical medication that also kills developing eggs and larvae. Bathe each animal with a flea shampoo to remove existing insects, then comb with a fine‑toothed flea comb, discarding captured specimens into soapy water.
Second, clean the indoor environment. Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstery, and floorboards thoroughly; immediately empty the vacuum canister or bag into a sealed trash container. Launder all bedding, blankets, and removable covers in hot water (minimum 130 °F) and dry on a high‑heat setting. Steam‑clean carpets and furniture to reach temperatures that kill hidden stages.
Third, apply an insecticide treatment to the home. Use a product containing an adulticide (e.g., permethrin, fipronil) and an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen. Follow these steps:
- Spot‑treat cracks, baseboards, and pet sleeping areas with a liquid spray.
- Fog or aerosolize the entire living space according to label instructions, ensuring ventilation after application.
- Treat outdoor zones where pets spend time—under decks, in shaded corners, and around kennels—using a suitable outdoor formulation.
Fourth, control the outdoor environment to prevent re‑infestation. Keep grass trimmed, remove leaf litter, and eliminate standing water. Apply a perimeter spray of IGR‑containing insecticide around the foundation of the house.
Finally, monitor progress. Place sticky traps or flea collars in high‑traffic rooms for two weeks, checking daily for captured insects. Repeat vacuuming and laundering weekly for at least three weeks, then reassess the need for additional insecticide applications.
Consistent execution of these measures disrupts the flea life cycle, eradicates existing populations, and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.