What is the best way to get rid of fleas from the house? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum carpets, upholstery, and cracks; immediately wash all bedding and pet linens in hot water, then apply a regulated flea spray or fogger approved for indoor use, and treat all animals with a veterinarian‑recommended flea control product. Ensure the treatment is repeated according to the product’s schedule to break the life cycle.
What is the best way to get rid of fleas from the house? - in detail
Eliminate fleas by attacking each stage of their life cycle: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults.
Begin with thorough cleaning. Vacuum all carpeted areas, rugs, and upholstery, then immediately discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister to prevent re‑infestation. Wash all bedding, pet blankets, and removable covers in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
Treat pets first, because they are the primary hosts. Use a veterinarian‑approved adulticide spot‑on product or oral medication, following the label dosage for the animal’s weight. Repeat the treatment according to the product’s schedule, typically every 30 days, to break the reproductive cycle.
Apply an environmental insecticide after the home is clean and pets are protected. Choose a product containing an adulticide (e.g., permethrin, fipronil) and an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen. Spray cracks, baseboards, under furniture, and pet sleeping areas, ensuring coverage of hidden spaces where larvae develop. Follow safety instructions: ventilate rooms, keep children and pets out during application, and allow surfaces to dry before re‑entry.
Maintain a preventive regimen. Vacuum weekly to remove newly hatched fleas and eggs. Wash pet bedding weekly. Re‑apply IGRs every 2–4 weeks, as directed, to keep larvae from reaching adulthood.
Monitor for activity using a flea trap or sticky pads placed near pet resting spots. If fleas reappear, repeat the insecticide treatment and verify that pet medication is still effective.
By integrating rigorous cleaning, targeted pet treatment, chemical control of the environment, and ongoing surveillance, flea populations can be eradicated from a residence.