How to spray a house for fleas? - briefly
Begin by removing pets, vacuuming carpets, upholstery, and cracks, then apply an EPA‑approved flea spray according to the label, targeting baseboards, under furniture, and pet bedding; repeat the application after 7–10 days to interrupt the flea life cycle.
How to spray a house for fleas? - in detail
Begin by removing pets and clutter from each room. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and floor mats thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately to prevent re‑infestation. Wash bedding, curtains, and pet linens in hot water, then dry on high heat.
Select an insecticide labeled for indoor flea control. Prefer products containing adulticide ingredients such as pyrethrins, permethrin, or fipronil, and an insect growth regulator (IGR) like methoprene or pyriproxyfen to disrupt the life cycle. Verify that the formulation is safe for indoor use and read the safety data sheet for toxicity information.
Gather protective gear: disposable gloves, long‑sleeved shirt, goggles, and a respirator rated for organic vapors. Ensure adequate ventilation by opening windows and using exhaust fans.
Apply the spray according to the manufacturer’s dosage chart, typically measured in milliliters per square meter. Follow these steps:
- Pre‑treatment – Cover or remove food items, dishes, and electronic devices. Seal pet food in airtight containers.
- Application – Hold the nozzle 12–18 inches from surfaces. Spray in a sweeping motion, overlapping each pass by 10 %. Treat all fabric surfaces, cracks, baseboards, under furniture, and pet sleeping areas.
- Targeted zones – Direct extra spray at carpet pile, pet bedding, and hidden crevices where larvae develop.
- Drying period – Allow the treated areas to dry for the time specified (usually 30–60 minutes) before re‑entering the space.
- Post‑treatment – Vacuum again to remove dead insects and residual eggs. Dispose of the vacuum contents in a sealed bag.
After the initial application, repeat the process after 7–10 days to eliminate newly emerged fleas. Maintain a regular vacuum schedule and treat pets with a veterinarian‑approved flea preventive to avoid recurrence.
Dispose of unused pesticide in accordance with local hazardous waste regulations. Keep all chemicals out of reach of children and animals. Document the dates of each treatment for future reference.