What should be done and with what to eliminate fleas in the house? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum carpets, floors, and upholstery, then wash all bedding and curtains in hot water; follow with a regulated flea adulticide spray or fogger applied to cracks, baseboards, and pet resting areas while treating pets with a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral medication. Seal entry points and repeat the entire process after seven days to break the flea life cycle.
What should be done and with what to eliminate fleas in the house? - in detail
Eliminate fleas from a residence by combining chemical, mechanical, and environmental measures.
First, treat all animals that live inside. Apply a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral adulticide to each pet; repeat the dosage according to the product label (typically 30 days). Use a flea comb daily for two weeks, discarding captured insects.
Second, address indoor surfaces. Vacuum every carpet, rug, upholstered item, and floor crevice for at least 10 minutes per room. Immediately empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed plastic bag and discard it in an outdoor trash container. Follow vacuuming with a spray of an insect growth regulator (IGR) that contains methoprene or pyriproxyfen; apply according to manufacturer instructions, ensuring coverage of seams, under furniture, and pet bedding.
Third, treat hard floors and baseboards. Mix a solution of diluted pyrethrin or a synthetic pyrethroid (e.g., permethrin) in a bucket of water. Mop or wipe surfaces, allowing the liquid to remain wet for the recommended contact time (usually 5–10 minutes) before drying.
Fourth, launder all washable fabrics. Wash bedding, curtains, pet blankets, and removable covers in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and tumble dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Repeat the cycle after one week to catch newly hatched larvae.
Fifth, control outdoor sources. Trim grass and vegetation within two feet of the building foundation. Apply a perimeter treatment of an outdoor flea spray containing an adulticide and IGR, focusing on shaded, humid areas where fleas thrive. Keep trash bins sealed and eliminate standing water.
Sixth, monitor progress. Place sticky flea traps in high‑traffic zones (under the fridge, near pet resting spots) and replace them weekly. Continue vacuuming and washing routines for four weeks, then reassess. If infestations persist, consult a licensed pest‑control professional for targeted fogging or heat‑treatment options.