What kills fleas in the house? - briefly
Use insecticidal sprays or foggers with an adulticide (e.g., permethrin or pyrethrin) and wash all bedding and carpets in hot water, then vacuum thoroughly. Apply a monthly preventive treatment such as flea powder or diatomaceous earth to sustain control.
What kills fleas in the house? - in detail
Effective flea eradication inside a residence requires a multi‑step approach that targets adult insects, immature stages, and the environment where they develop.
First, treat all pets with a veterinarian‑approved product. Options include topical spot‑on treatments, oral medications, and flea collars that contain insect growth regulators (IGRs) such as methoprene or pyriproxyline. These agents interrupt the life cycle by preventing eggs and larvae from maturing.
Second, apply a residual insecticide to indoor surfaces where fleas hide. Products based on permethrin, cyfluthrin, or bifenthrin provide several weeks of protection on carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Follow label instructions precisely; over‑application can cause resistance and health hazards.
Third, integrate an IGR spray or fogger to suppress immature stages in cracks, crevices, and under furniture. Combination formulas that pair an adulticide with an IGR yield the most rapid reduction in flea populations.
Fourth, conduct thorough cleaning:
- Vacuum carpets, floor mats, and upholstered furniture daily; discard the bag or empty the canister immediately.
- Wash pet bedding, blankets, and removable covers in hot water (≥ 60 °C) for at least 30 minutes.
- Steam‑clean carpets and upholstery; temperatures above 50 °C kill eggs and larvae.
Fifth, address outdoor reservoirs that reinfest the interior. Trim grass, remove leaf litter, and treat shaded areas with a pet‑safe outdoor flea spray containing a growth regulator.
Sixth, consider natural adjuncts when chemical use is limited. Diatomaceous earth, applied thinly to carpets and left for 24 hours before vacuuming, desiccates exoskeletons. Essential‑oil blends (e.g., lavender, eucalyptus) have limited efficacy and should complement, not replace, proven insecticides.
Finally, maintain a schedule: repeat adulticide applications every 2–4 weeks, reapply IGRs monthly, and continue daily vacuuming for at least six weeks to break the life cycle. Monitoring with a flea trap or sticky card confirms progress and indicates when treatment can be tapered.