How to treat a house infested with fleas? - briefly
Begin with intensive vacuuming of carpets, upholstery, and crevices, followed by washing all bedding and fabrics in hot water. Apply a regulated flea spray or fogger throughout the residence, treat pets with veterinary‑approved medication, and repeat the procedure after a week to interrupt the life cycle.
How to treat a house infested with fleas? - in detail
Fleas thrive in environments where they can access warm blood meals and lay eggs in fabrics, carpets, and pet bedding. Effective eradication requires a systematic approach that combines environmental treatment, pet management, and monitoring.
Begin with thorough cleaning. Vacuum every carpet, rug, and upholstered surface, then immediately discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister to prevent re‑infestation. Wash all removable fabrics—blankets, pillowcases, and pet bedding—in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Apply a steam cleaner to hard floors and upholstery; temperatures above 50 °C kill larvae and eggs.
Treat the interior of the dwelling with an appropriate insecticide. Choose a product labeled for indoor flea control, preferably one containing an adulticide (e.g., permethrin, pyrethrin) and an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen. Follow label directions precisely: apply to carpets, cracks, baseboards, and under furniture, taking care to avoid direct contact with humans and pets. Allow treated areas to dry before re‑entering rooms.
Address the animal hosts. Administer a veterinarian‑approved flea preventative—topical, oral, or collar—to each pet. Ensure the regimen is maintained consistently, as adult fleas can re‑infest the environment within 24 hours of a bite. Groom pets regularly, removing debris with a flea comb.
Seal potential entry points. Repair gaps around doors, windows, and utility penetrations to limit outdoor flea ingress. Reduce outdoor habitats by trimming vegetation and removing debris near the home’s foundation.
Implement a monitoring schedule. Place flea traps—sticky pads or light‑attracted devices—under furniture and along baseboards. Inspect traps weekly; a decline in captures indicates progress, while persistent activity signals the need for additional treatment cycles.
Repeat the insecticide application after two weeks to target emerging adults from any surviving eggs or larvae. Continue weekly vacuuming and pet preventive measures for at least one month, then transition to monthly maintenance to prevent recurrence.