How to treat fleas in the house? - briefly
Eliminate adult fleas and eggs by vacuuming carpets, upholstery, and cracks, then discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister, and applying an EPA‑registered indoor flea spray or powder as directed. Wash pet bedding and all linens at 60 °C weekly and repeat the treatment for three weeks to interrupt the life cycle.
How to treat fleas in the house? - in detail
Effective flea control inside a residence requires a systematic approach that eliminates the insects at every stage of their life cycle. Begin by identifying all infested zones: carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, pet bedding, and cracks in flooring. Remove and discard any heavily contaminated items that cannot be washed.
- Immediate removal – Vacuum all carpeted and upholstered surfaces thoroughly, paying special attention to edges and under furniture. Empty the vacuum canister or replace the bag immediately and seal it in a plastic bag before disposal to prevent re‑infestation.
- Laundry – Wash pet bedding, curtains, and removable fabric covers in hot water (minimum 130 °F / 54 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting. Heat kills both adult fleas and developing eggs or larvae.
- Chemical treatment – Apply an EPA‑registered indoor flea spray or fogger that contains an adulticide (e.g., permethrin, pyrethrin) and an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen. Follow the product label precisely: treat carpets, baseboards, under furniture, and any cracks where larvae may hide. Allow adequate ventilation after application.
- Environmental sanitation – Reduce humidity below 50 % using dehumidifiers, as fleas thrive in moist conditions. Keep the home clutter‑free to limit hiding places.
- Pet management – Treat all animals with a veterinarian‑approved flea preventive (topical, oral, or collar). Bath the pets with a flea‑killing shampoo and comb them with a fine‑tooth flea comb to remove any remaining insects.
- Follow‑up – Repeat vacuuming and chemical applications according to the IGR’s residual activity schedule, typically every 2–3 weeks, for at least two months. This duration covers the full development cycle from egg to adult.
Consistent execution of these steps eradicates adult fleas, prevents immature stages from maturing, and ultimately eliminates the infestation from the indoor environment.