What to do against fleas in the house? - briefly
Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and floor seams daily, then wash pet bedding and household linens in hot water. Treat pets with a veterinarian‑approved flea medication and apply a residual indoor insecticide to cracks, baseboards, and other hiding places.
What to do against fleas in the house? - in detail
Fleas can quickly spread throughout a residence, compromising comfort and health. Effective eradication requires a systematic approach that addresses the insects, their hosts, and the environment.
First, locate the infestation. Examine bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture for adult fleas, larvae, or dark specks (flea dirt). Use a fine-toothed comb on pets to collect adults and eggs. Identify heavily infested zones to prioritize treatment.
Next, treat animals. Apply a veterinarian‑recommended topical or oral product that kills adult fleas and prevents egg development. Administer the medication according to the label schedule; repeat as necessary to break the life cycle.
Then, sanitize the indoor environment:
- Wash all bedding, blankets, and removable covers in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag.
- Steam‑clean hard floors and carpets to reach larvae and pupae hidden in fabric fibers.
- Apply an EPA‑registered insecticide spray or fogger that contains an adulticide (e.g., permethrin) and an insect growth regulator (e.g., methoprene). Follow label instructions, treat cracks, baseboards, and pet resting areas.
- For severe cases, consider professional pest‑control services that can apply residual treatments to walls and ceilings.
Finally, establish preventive measures:
- Maintain regular grooming and flea‑preventive medication for pets.
- Keep indoor humidity below 50 % to hinder flea development.
- Trim grass and vegetation around the home’s perimeter; use outdoor flea control products if pets access the yard.
- Perform weekly vacuuming and monthly deep cleaning of carpets and upholstery.
By combining thorough inspection, pet treatment, targeted insecticide application, and ongoing prevention, a household can eliminate fleas and prevent recurrence.