What should I do when fleas appear in the house? - briefly
Immediately vacuum all floors, carpets, and upholstery, then discard the bag or clean the canister; wash bedding, curtains, and pet linens in hot water, and treat pets with a veterinarian‑approved flea medication. Follow up with a residual indoor flea spray or fogger according to label directions, and repeat the process within a week to break the life cycle.
What should I do when fleas appear in the house? - in detail
When fleas are detected inside a residence, immediate, systematic action is required to eradicate the infestation and prevent recurrence.
First, isolate the source. Inspect pets, bedding, carpets, and upholstery for adult insects, larvae, and eggs. Use a fine-toothed flea comb on animals, moving slowly from the neck to the tail. Dispose of captured fleas by placing the comb into soapy water.
Second, treat the animals. Apply a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral adulticide according to the product’s dosage schedule. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to target emerging fleas from dormant stages. Consult a professional if the pet shows signs of irritation or allergy.
Third, decontaminate the environment.
- Wash all removable fabrics (bedding, curtains, pet blankets) in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery thoroughly, paying special attention to seams and crevices. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister to avoid re‑infestation.
- Apply an EPA‑registered indoor insecticide spray or fogger that contains an adulticide (e.g., permethrin, methoprene) and an insect growth regulator (IGR). Follow label directions for concentration, room coverage, and ventilation.
- For heavily infested areas, consider professional heat treatment or steam cleaning, which kills all life stages without chemicals.
Fourth, address outdoor reservoirs. Trim grass, remove leaf litter, and treat the yard with a pet‑safe outdoor flea spray or diatomaceous earth. Maintain regular lawn mowing to reduce humidity favored by flea development.
Finally, establish preventive measures. Use year‑round flea preventatives on pets, keep indoor humidity below 50 % when possible, and schedule monthly vacuuming. Monitor pet bedding and indoor spaces for any reappearance of fleas, and repeat treatment promptly if needed.