What should you do if fleas are on the floor of the house? - briefly
Vacuum the floor thoroughly, then apply an approved flea spray or use a steam cleaner to eradicate any remaining insects. Wash all fabrics, bedding, and pet accessories in hot water to ensure complete removal.
What should you do if fleas are on the floor of the house? - in detail
When fleas are discovered crawling on the floor, immediate action prevents a full‑scale infestation. Begin by isolating the affected area: remove rugs, mats, and any removable flooring sections, and place them in sealed bags for laundering at the highest temperature the fabric can tolerate. Vacuum every square foot of the floor, paying special attention to seams, baseboards, and corners where insects hide. After each pass, empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outside the home.
Follow the mechanical removal with a chemical treatment. Apply a residual insecticide spray labeled for indoor use against fleas, ensuring coverage of cracks, grout lines, and under furniture. Allow the product to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before re‑entering the space. For homes with pets, select a pet‑safe formulation or treat the area when animals are absent, then ventilate thoroughly.
Treat the surrounding environment to break the flea life cycle. Wash all bedding, pet blankets, and clothing in hot water, then tumble dry on high heat. If the household includes pets, bathe them with a flea‑combination shampoo and administer a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral preventive. Clean pet sleeping areas with the same insecticide used on the floor, and vacuum those zones daily for at least two weeks.
Maintain a preventive routine. Keep humidity below 50 % using a dehumidifier, as fleas thrive in moist conditions. Sweep or vacuum high‑traffic floors at least once daily. Replace vacuum bags or clean canisters regularly to avoid re‑contamination. Periodic application of a low‑dose insect growth regulator (IGR) on floors and baseboards interrupts development from egg to adult, reducing the chance of resurgence.
If the infestation persists after two weeks of diligent treatment, consult a professional pest‑control service. They can perform a thorough inspection, identify hidden breeding sites, and apply targeted, stronger interventions while ensuring safety for occupants and pets.