What to use against fleas in the house? - briefly
Effective indoor flea control combines insecticidal sprays, foggers, and thorough vacuuming of carpets and upholstery, followed by laundering bedding at high temperatures. Supplementary measures include applying «diatomaceous earth» to cracks and using veterinary‑prescribed oral or topical preventatives for pets to interrupt the life cycle.
What to use against fleas in the house? - in detail
Effective indoor flea control requires a combination of chemical, mechanical, and environmental actions. Each component addresses a specific stage of the flea life cycle, ensuring comprehensive eradication.
A multi‑step protocol includes:
- Application of an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen. These compounds interrupt development from egg to adult, preventing population rebound.
- Use of a fast‑acting adulticide, for example, a spray containing fipronil, imidacloprid, or selamectin. Targeted treatment of carpets, upholstery, and pet bedding eliminates existing adult fleas.
- Thorough vacuuming of all floor surfaces, rugs, and crevices. Vacuum bags or canisters must be discarded immediately to remove eggs, larvae, and pupae.
- Washing of linens, pet blankets, and removable covers in hot water (minimum 60 °C) followed by high‑heat drying. Heat destroys immature stages resistant to chemical treatment.
- Regular grooming and systemic medication of pets. Oral products containing nitenpyram or topical formulations with lufenuron provide continuous protection and reduce re‑infestation from treated animals.
- Environmental dehumidification. Maintaining indoor humidity below 50 % hampers flea egg viability and pupal emergence.
For households preferring non‑chemical options, consider:
- Diatomaceous earth, food‑grade, applied thinly to carpets and left for 24 hours before vacuuming. The abrasive particles damage the exoskeleton of fleas, leading to dehydration.
- Essential oil blends, such as a mixture of 10 % lavender oil and 5 % cedarwood oil diluted in water, sprayed on fabric surfaces. While not a standalone solution, these repellents can reduce adult activity when used alongside other measures.
Monitoring progress involves placing sticky flea traps in high‑traffic areas and inspecting pet fur weekly. Persistent detection after two weeks of treatment indicates the need for repeat application of IGR and adulticide, or professional pest‑control intervention.