What should I do if my house is infested with fleas? - briefly
Apply a veterinarian‑approved flea treatment to all pets, vacuum carpets and upholstery thoroughly, and wash bedding in hot water. Then use a label‑approved indoor residual insecticide to eliminate remaining insects.
What should I do if my house is infested with fleas? - in detail
Fleas in a dwelling require immediate, systematic action.
First, confirm the presence of adult insects, larvae, or bite marks on residents and pets.
Next, treat all animals: administer a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral flea product, repeat according to label instructions, and groom with a fine‑toothed comb to remove any remaining insects.
Thoroughly clean the interior:
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and floor seams; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag.
- Wash all bedding, curtains, and removable fabric covers in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Steam‑clean carpets and upholstery to reach crevices where eggs and larvae develop.
Apply environmental control agents:
- Use an insect growth regulator (IGR) labeled for indoor use to interrupt the flea life cycle; follow manufacturer dosage and safety guidelines.
- Spot‑treat cracks, baseboards, and under furniture with a residual adulticide spray; ensure proper ventilation during application.
Monitor progress: place sticky traps in high‑traffic areas for two weeks; replace traps if no captures occur, indicating successful reduction.
If infestation persists after two weeks of diligent treatment, engage a licensed pest‑control professional to perform a comprehensive fumigation or targeted application.
Prevent future outbreaks by maintaining regular pet flea prophylaxis, keeping flooring and upholstery free of debris, and conducting quarterly inspections of the home environment.