What should I do if there are fleas in the house? - briefly
Treat pets with a veterinarian‑approved flea medication and launder all bedding, rugs, and upholstery in hot water. Vacuum every room, discard the vacuum contents, and apply a residual indoor flea spray to baseboards and cracks.
What should I do if there are fleas in the house? - in detail
If fleas are discovered inside the residence, immediate action is required to eliminate the insects and prevent recurrence.
First, confirm the presence of fleas on occupants or pets. Inspect dogs, cats, and other animals by parting the fur and looking for live insects or small dark specks (flea dirt). Treat all pets with a veterinarian‑approved adulticide, such as a topical solution, oral medication, or a collar that kills adult fleas and inhibits egg development. Follow the product’s dosing schedule precisely; repeat treatments as directed to break the life cycle.
Next, address the indoor environment. Remove all bedding, blankets, and washable fabrics from pets and launder them in hot water (minimum 130 °F) for at least 30 minutes. Vacuum every carpet, rug, and upholstered surface thoroughly, paying special attention to seams and crevices where eggs and larvae may hide. After vacuuming, discard the bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and dispose of it outdoors. Repeat vacuuming daily for two weeks.
Apply an insect growth regulator (IGR) spray or fogger to cracks, baseboards, and under furniture. IGRs prevent eggs from maturing into adult fleas, disrupting the population. Use a product labeled for indoor flea control, following label instructions for concentration, ventilation, and re‑entry time. In severe cases, a professional pest‑control service may be necessary to apply residual insecticides that penetrate deep into cracks and wall voids.
Finally, implement preventive measures. Maintain regular grooming and flea‑preventive medication for all pets. Keep carpets and rugs clean, and reduce indoor humidity to below 50 % where possible, as fleas thrive in moist environments. Seal entry points such as gaps around doors and windows to limit outdoor insects from entering.
By treating animals, sanitizing the living space, employing chemical controls, and establishing ongoing prevention, the flea infestation can be eradicated and future outbreaks avoided.