What to do if there are fleas at home?

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What to do if there are fleas at home? - briefly
Begin by treating all pets with a veterinarian‑approved flea product and laundering bedding in hot water. Afterwards, vacuum every carpet and upholstery, discard the vacuum bag, and apply an EPA‑registered indoor insecticide following the label instructions.

What to do if there are fleas at home? - in detail
Fleas in a dwelling require immediate, systematic action to eliminate the infestation and prevent recurrence.
Begin with a thorough inspection. Examine sleeping areas, carpets, upholstered furniture, and cracks in flooring. Use a fine-toothed comb on pets, checking the neck, tail base, and abdomen. Collect any visible insects in a container for identification, confirming the problem before proceeding.
Implement a multi‑stage treatment plan:

Pet management

Apply a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral flea medication.
Bathe pets with a flea‑killing shampoo, focusing on the skin and coat.
Comb each animal daily for two weeks, discarding debris in hot water.

Environmental sanitation

Vacuum all carpeted surfaces, rugs, and furniture cushions; immediately empty the vacuum bag into a sealed bag and discard.
Wash bedding, pet blankets, and removable covers in water ≥ 60 °C; dry on high heat.
Steam‑clean hard floors and upholstery to reach egg‑laying sites.

Chemical or biological control

Apply a residual insecticide labeled for indoor use, following label directions for dosage and ventilation.
Consider an insect growth regulator (IGR) to disrupt the flea life cycle; use in conjunction with adulticide for maximum effect.
If chemical options are unsuitable, deploy diatomaceous earth or nematodes in cracks and crevices.

Monitoring and follow‑up

Place sticky traps near baseboards and pet resting spots to gauge activity.
Repeat vacuuming and washing procedures weekly for at least three weeks.
Re‑treat pets and the environment after the recommended interval (often 2 weeks) to target emerging adults.

Prevent future infestations by maintaining regular pet prophylaxis, keeping indoor humidity low, and inspecting new animals before introduction. Consistent adherence to these steps eliminates current fleas and reduces the risk of reappearance.