Best Way To Get Rid Of Fleas In A House

The first thing that you should do if you have fleas in your house is to find out where they are. This is not a hard task at all to complete, but because so many people ignore it and end up trying to use an incorrect method of control, I want to take this time to share with you what your options really are before you begin your battle with these pesky little creatures. Fleas are more than a nuisance. They can lead to skin irritation, blood loss, and tapeworm infections in your pets. They multiply quickly and spread easily to the rest of your family. Although they may be small, they have the ability to cause a lot of harm. In this article, you’ll learn how you can get rid of fleas in your house without using toxic chemicals. A dog or cat can pick up fleas from the neighborhood and bring them back home without you even knowing it. You are sure that your pet is healthy because you have given him a bath on a regular basis. You were unaware that it is still possible for your pet to get fleas in spite of your best efforts. There are many ways to get rid of fleas in a house, but it’s important to first define the problem. Fleas are parasites that kill pets, such as cats and dogs, and can also infest other small animals, such as ferrets, hamsters, and rabbits, or even other family members like children or adults. Fleas can be a nuisance for any household.

Best Way To Get Rid Of Fleas In A House

How to get rid of fleas in your home

If your pet is a walking carrier of mature fleas, your home can become the nursery.

Since the flea has multiple life stages (egg, larvae, cocoon, adult), when adult fleas are present, it is assumed all of these stages are also present throughout your house. This means that you have to tackle the problem from all angles in order to truly eradicate the infestation.

To do this, you must treat your pet and its living environment at the same time. Depending on your pet’s boundaries, this may include your whole house or yard.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends the following cleaning approaches:

  1. Use a powerful vacuum on any floors, upholstery, and mattresses. Cracks and other tight spaces are usually good hiding places for fleas and their cohort of eggs, larvae, and cocoons. If you can, use a vacuum with a bag you can dispose of without coming into contact with its contents.
  2. Employ a steam cleaner for carpets and upholstery, including pet beds. The combination of high heat and soap is the enemy of fleas in all stages of life. Pay special attention to any spots where your pet usually lies down or spends a lot of time.
  3. Wash all bedding, including your pet’s, in hot water and detergent. Dry it at the highest heat setting. If the infestation is severe, consider getting rid of old bedding and starting anew.

The advent of topical flea treatmentsTrusted Source for pets have made insecticides pretty outdated. Topical prescriptions stop or augment the flea’s reproductive cycle and rapidly kill an infestation.

If you do aim to use an insecticide or other chemical cleaning treatment, please proceed with caution. Many are toxic to humans, pets, and the environment.

Here are some tips:

  • Aerosol sprays are recommended over foggers, as you can direct the spray under beds or other places that the foggers may be unable to reach.
  • Choose an insecticide that contains both an adulticide (kills adult fleas), such as permethrin, and an insect growth regulator (kills the eggs, larvae, and pupae), such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen.
  • People and pets shouldn’t come into contact with an insecticide or chemical treatment until it has dried. Be sure to wear gloves when you apply the spray, and only do it when everyone is out of the room or house.
How to get rid of fleas in your yard

The best way to eliminate fleas from your yard is to think about where they’re most like to hide.

Fleas love places that are:

  • shaded
  • humid
  • warm

Direct sun-exposed areas can get too hot, so you probably won’t find many fleas there. Problem areas will likely be found by observing where your pet likes to lie down.

Once you have your target zones, here’s what you can do to eliminate the fleas:

  1. Mow your lawn regularly and rake the exposed surfaces thoroughly. Fleas like to hide in tall grass. Make sure to bag the contents rather than add them to your compost pile.
  2. Remove debris, such as dead leaves and twigs, from flower beds and from under any bushes. Expose as much of the shady areas to sunlight as you can.
  3. Spread cedar chips on the areas where your pet likes to lie down, under the bushes, and on flower beds. Fleas hate the smell! Sulphur (powder or liquid) is also known to repel fleas and prevent hatching.
  4. Ask your local gardening center about nematodes, small worms that can eat insect larvae.
  5. Avoid overwatering. This can create the exact humid conditions for fleas to thrive in.
  6. Evict wildlife. Animals like opossum, mice, and squirrels can all carry fleas. It’s possible to repel these animals from your yard without trapping or killing them. The Humane Society recommends “gently harassing” animals to get them to move. This can include setting up barriers in the yard, putting up bright lights, playing loud music, and leaving rags soaked in cider vinegar.

If you know there is a flea infestation on your property, it may be wise to limit your pet’s time playing on the lawn until the problem is under control. For some pets, like cats, it may be advisable to keep them indoors only.

How to get rid of your pet’s fleas

If you suspect that your pet has fleas, you should act fast to prevent them from spreading.

You may be able to see the insects hopping around on your pet’s fur, but sometimes a closer look is needed. A flea comb may reveal adult fleas or their eggs. Dabbing around with a wet cloth on your pet or its bedding can show flea dirt (flea waste that will appear as bloody specks).

A flea infestation usually requires a combination of tactics. Even if you use a topical flea medication or spray, you still need to continue cleaning. Fleas lay a lot of eggs, and the cycle can start over if you aren’t vigilant.

  1. Kill fleas with a topical prescription. The US Food and Drug Administration advisesTrusted Source you pay close attention to choosing the right formula, and use it exactly as directed. Topical doses are sorted by pet type, age, and weight. Flea medications like Frontline or Revolution spread quickly between fleas, killing adults and stopping new ones from hatching. Most fleas will be killed within several hours, but it can take days for a topical medication to have full effect.
  2. Kill fleas with an oral prescription. While topicals affect fleas directly, oral pills or chewables (like Bravecto and Capstar) get into fleas after they bite your pet.
  3. Kill fleas with a pet-safe spray. Flea sprays can kill fleas on contact. Many sprays for the home are not pet-friendly, and could be toxic to animals. Always follow instructions and make sure the area is dry or clear before allowing humans or pets back in the room.
  4. Wash your pet’s bedding in hot water every couple of days. Dry bedding on the highest heat setting after each washing. Make sure any cleaning chemicals or soaps used in the process are pet-friendly.
  5. Wash your pet using flea shampoo. Ask your vet or local pet store about the best shampoo options for your pet’s size, fur, and skin sensitivity. Many effective pet shampoos contain pyrethrin, an extract derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Shampoos may kill the fleas directly on your pet, but won’t knock out the infestation in the home environment.
  6. Use a flea comb. Flea combs are a special comb fine enough to catch fleas while also allowing your pet’s fur to pass through. Have a bowl of warm, soapy water handy to dunk the critters in once you comb them out. Fleas typically reside around the neck and tail areas. Even if you think the problem is handled, continue to comb your pet for a few days to ensure fleas aren’t reoccurring.
  7. Regular vet checkups. Vets can field questions about your pet’s risk factors for fleas and other parasites, and recommend preventive care, such as a monthly medication.
  8. Let your pet groom itself. Grooming keeps your pets fur and skin healthy! If you notice your pet isn’t grooming normally or its hygiene has worsened, consult your vet.
  9. If you prefer natural remedies, make a strong solution by adding two cups of rosemary leaves to hot water. Allow the mixture to cool down and use it to spray, rinse, or soak your pet.

Flea collars can be highly toxic and irritate your pet’s skin. Avoid them when possible!

While many vet-approved or prescribed sprays and topicals are considered safe, some pets may still be sensitive to their ingredients. Stop any treatment if you notice that it’s causing irritation to your pet’s skin, or another kind of allergic response. Inform your vet if your pet has any known sensitivities to medications or ingredients.

Best Way To Get Rid Of Fleas In A House

The best way to get rid of fleas in a house is to start by vacuuming. This will get the fleas out of your carpet and furniture, and it will also help you find their hiding spots. It’s important to vacuum every day for at least a week, even if you don’t see any fleas.

Next, wash all of your clothes, sheets, and blankets in hot water with detergent. If you have pets that sleep with you, put them in a separate room while they’re being washed.

After washing everything, seal it in plastic bags and leave it outside overnight so that the heat can kill any remaining parasites. Then wash it again before bringing it back inside.

You should also vacuum your floors daily for several weeks after this process has been completed to make sure all of the eggs are gone. A good vacuum cleaner with an upright attachment is ideal for this purpose because it allows you to reach into corners and under furniture without having to move things around too much (which would just release more eggs).

List of Best Way To Get Rid Of Fleas In A House

Adams Flea and Tick Home Spray, 24 Ounce
Price : $16.97
Features :

  • PROVEN EFFECTIVE: Kills fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, bed bugs, ticks, cockroaches, ants*, spiders, mosquitoes, and many other labeled insects (*except carpenter, harvester, pharaoh and fire ants)
  • LONG LASTING: Provides up to 7 months of flea protection and begins killing on contact
  • QUICK RELIEF: Starts killing fleas in 5 minutes.
  • COMPLETE HOME DEFENSE: Reaches fleas hidden in carpets, rugs, upholstery, and pet bedding; do not spray directly on pets.
  • EASY TO USE: Even and controlled spraying pattern for optimal results
  • FRAGRANCE FREE: Dries fast, non-Staining and no lingering odor.
  • PET, HOME & YARD: 5% of fleas live on your pet while the remaining 95% live in your home or yard. Adams provides a multi-step product solution to fight pests on every front – Complete your system with our Pet, Home, and Yard products.

Additional Info :

Item Dimensions
Height 2.992 Inches
Width 4.016 Inches
Length 9.25 Inches
Weight 1.72 Pounds
PETARMOR Home Carpet Powder for Fleas and Ticks, Protect Your Home From Fleas and Deodorizes Carpets, 16 Ounce
Price : $7.58
Features :

  • LONG LASTING CONTROL: PetArmor Home & Carpet Spray kills all stages of fleas and protects against reinfestation for up to 7 months. Kills fleas, dust mites and lice.
  • PET ODOR: PetArmor Flea and Tick Home and Carpet Spray freshens and deodorizes carpets, has a clean fresh scent, and is available in a 16 oz. ounce size.
  • EFFECTIVE AGAINST PESTS: PetArmor Home Powder kills brown dog ticks, fleas, and flea eggs, flea larvae, and flea pupae.
  • PROTECT YOUR HOME: Find fleas or ticks on your pet? They are probably in your home. Fleas lay up to 50 eggs a day. PetArmor Home Carpet Power helps you in the fight against fleas and ticks.
  • PETS ARE FAMILY: PetArmor flea and tick home products help you confidently protect your furry family member from fleas and ticks at home without a visit to the vet.

Additional Info :

Item Dimensions
Height 3.05 Inches
Width 3.05 Inches
Length 7.13 Inches
Weight 1 Pounds
Vet
Price : $9.97
Features :

  • GENTLE PROTECTION: Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Home Spray uses certified natural ingredients to kill fleas, flea eggs, and ticks on contact.
  • PROVEN EFFECTIVE: Whether facing an active infestation or are applying for routine prevention, our spray is scientifically proven effective against pests but gentle enough to use around the whole family.
  • CERTIFIED NATURAL OILS: Each steam-distilled essential oil is selected for its potent pest-fighting properties and is 100% Certified Natural.
  • TOTAL HOME DEFENSE: Applies easily on surfaces, indoors and out, including dog bedding, crates, furniture, blankets, upholstery, carpets, outdoor surfaces, and more. Also gentle enough to be applied directly on dogs and puppies 12 weeks or older.
  • MADE IN THE USA: Our products are proudly manufactured in the USA with quality domestic and internationally sourced ingredients.

Additional Info :

Color Green
Item Dimensions
Height 0.81 Inches
Width 3.38 Inches
Length 3.38 Inches
Weight 2 Pounds
Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Indoor & Perimeter2: With Comfort Wand, Kills Ants, Cockroaches, Spiders, Fleas & Ticks, Odor Free, 1.1 gal.
Price : $14.49 ($0.10 / Fl Oz)
Features :

  • Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Indoor & Perimeter2 with Comfort Wand kills ants, cockroaches, spiders, fleas, ticks and other listed bugs; the formula is odor free, won’t stain, and keeps listed bugs out
  • KILLS BUGS INSIDE: Kills those annoying home-invading insects, including ants, cockroaches, spiders, fleas, ticks, scorpions, beetles, silverfish, centipedes and millipedes
  • KEEPS BUGS OUTSIDE: Creates a bug barrier that will kill bugs you have and prevents new bugs for up to 12 months (applies to ants, roaches and spiders indoors on non-porous surfaces)
  • NO STAINING OR STINK: This spray can be used indoors and out, leaves no residue, and has no odor; people and pets may re-enter treated areas after spray has dried
  • WAND MAKES APPLICATION EASY: The Comfort Wand eliminates hand fatigue, and there’s no pumping required, making it easy to spray along your home’s perimeter–indoors and outside

Additional Info :

Color White
Item Dimensions
Height 4.88 Inches
Width 12 Inches
Length 8.95 Inches
Weight 0.73 Pounds
Wondercide - Flea, Tick and Mosquito Spray for Dogs, Cats, and Home - Flea and Tick Killer, Control, Prevention, Treatment - with Natural Essential Oils - Pet and Family Safe - Cedarwood 32 oz
Price : $34.99 ($1.09 / Fl Oz)
Features :

  • KILLS & REPELS. Using natural essential oils, this spray is proven to kill by contact, repel and prevent 98-100% of fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. It eliminates the entire pest life cycle, including eggs, larvae and adults.
  • TREAT NATURE WITH NATURE. A safe and effective alternative to collars, pills, chewables, and drops that’s powered by nature. Holistic vet approved. Enjoy worry-free peace of mind knowing your pets and home are protected with our non-harsh formula.
  • SAFE FOR DOGS, CATS OF ALL AGES. Gentle enough to use on puppies, kittens, and senior pets as often as needed, yet powerful enough to fully eliminate pests on the skin and fur. Safe to use around the entire family. Kid-safe. Mom owned, Mom approved.
  • 3-IN-1 PLANT-BASED SOLUTION. For dogs, cats, and home! A home remedy that kills fleas throughout the house on carpet, furniture, bedding, and flooring. Also a repellent in pet environments like dog kennels or cat condos. Invigorating Cedar scent freshens homes.
  • POWERFULLY EFFECTIVE. Powered by nature and proven to work. Give your pet the best advantage in protection against fleas and ticks with our non-harsh formula. Cruelty free, biodegradable, and Made in the U.S.A.

Additional Info :

Color Cedarwood
Item Dimensions
Height 10.5 Inches
Width 3.4 Inches
Length 3.7 Inches
Weight 2.13 Pounds

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