How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your House
Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of any warm-blooded body. 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 a passing host. Controlling and/or exterminating fleas can eliminate an infestation.
Flea bites can result in painful, itchy red bumps. Fleas are also the most common transmitter of the rare bubonic plague. Visit our pest profile below to find out more about flea extermination and control.
How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your House
While most might think fleas are solely an issue for cats or dogs, fleas can actually bite humans as well. The question of how to get rid of fleas in your house may be more commonly asked by people with animals, but it is possible to have fleas even if you do not have a pet.
These small, flightless parasites feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, and can be brought onto your property by pets or by nuisance wildlife such as raccoons or skunks. If you or your pets have itchy red bumps, you may have a flea infestation.
When it comes to getting rid of fleas in your house, you’ll likely run into an ongoing battle. Fleas can multiply quickly, with females capable of laying between 20-50 eggs per day, making it difficult to eradicate this pest on your own.
Tips for Getting Rid of Fleas in Your Home
- If you suspect a flea infestation, it’s important to first ensure all pets are treated with veterinarian-approved flea treatments. Pet treatments target the hungry adults’ fleas that will die after feeding on the treated animals.
- The next step in getting rid of fleas in your house is to target immature fleas with sanitation. Flea eggs and larvae will accumulate anywhere that pets frequent, such as pet bedding and carpet. Regularly cleaning linens and vacuuming frequently can reduce eggs and limit the availability of food for larvae.
- While these cleaning measures can help you get rid of fleas in your house, do-it-yourself methods will only get you so far.
- The fastest and safest way to eradicate fleas in the home is to work with a pest control professional. They have the tools and expertise necessary to ensure the infestation is removed properly.

