How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your House
Fleas are small, flightless parasites that feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals. Cat fleas are the most common domestic flea, but dog fleas, human fleas and oriental rat fleas can also be found. Fleas do not fly; instead, they use their powerful legs to jump onto passing hosts.
While fleas are often associated with cats and dogs, they can also bite humans. Fleas may enter your home on pets or through nuisance wildlife such as raccoons and skunks. If you or your pets develop itchy, red bumps, you may have a flea infestation.
If you are wondering how to get rid of fleas in your house, it is important to treat both the adult fleas and the immature stages of the flea life cycle. Because fleas can reproduce quickly, eliminating an infestation may require several steps and ongoing treatment.
How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your House
Getting rid of fleas requires more than simply treating the adult fleas you can see. Flea eggs and larvae can remain in areas where pets spend time, including carpets, bedding and other parts of the home.
For effective flea control, focus on treating pets, cleaning the home and addressing the source of the infestation.
1. Treat Your Pets for Fleas
If you suspect a flea infestation, the first step is to have all pets treated with veterinarian-approved flea treatments.
Pet treatments target adult fleas that feed on treated animals. Treating pets is important because untreated animals can continue to introduce fleas into the home.
2. Vacuum and Clean Areas Where Pets Spend Time
The next step in getting rid of fleas in your house is targeting immature fleas through sanitation.
Flea eggs and larvae can accumulate in places where pets frequently spend time, including:
- Carpets and rugs
- Pet bedding
- Upholstered furniture
- Areas beneath furniture
- Other areas where pets rest
Regularly vacuuming carpets and cleaning pet bedding can help reduce flea eggs and larvae and remove food sources available to developing fleas.
3. Continue Cleaning and Monitoring
Cleaning can help get rid of fleas, but a flea infestation may not disappear immediately.
Because fleas have multiple life stages, continued cleaning and monitoring may be necessary. If flea activity continues despite your efforts, additional treatment may be required.
4. Consider Professional Flea Control
While cleaning and pet treatment can help control fleas, DIY flea control methods may only go so far.
A pest control professional has the tools and expertise to identify the source of an infestation and determine the appropriate treatment. Professional treatment can be especially useful when fleas continue to appear despite repeated cleaning and pet treatment.
How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Fleas?
The time required to eliminate a flea infestation can vary depending on the severity of the infestation and how thoroughly pets and the home are treated.
Because fleas can be present at different stages of their life cycle, you may continue to see flea activity after initial treatment. Consistent cleaning, appropriate pet treatment and professional pest control when necessary can help eliminate an infestation.
Can You Have Fleas Without Pets?
Yes. Although pets are a common source of fleas, fleas can also enter a property through wildlife or other animals.
Nuisance wildlife such as raccoons and skunks can introduce fleas to areas around a home. If you find fleas but do not have pets, identifying and addressing potential sources around the property may be important.
When to Call a Pest Control Professional
Consider contacting a pest control professional if:
- Fleas continue to appear after cleaning and treating pets.
- Multiple areas of your home appear to be affected.
- You cannot identify the source of the infestation.
- Fleas are repeatedly biting people or pets.
- You need help determining the appropriate flea treatment.
Professional pest control can help identify the source of the problem and develop an appropriate plan to eliminate the infestation.
Conclusion
Knowing how to get rid of fleas in your house is only the first step. Effective flea control requires
