To kill fleas in your house effectively, you need to tackle both your pets and the environment where fleas live, considering all flea life stages (eggs, larvae, pupae, adults). Here is a comprehensive approach:
Treat Your Pets
- Use veterinarian-recommended flea treatments such as topical medications (e.g., Frontline, Revolution) or oral medications (e.g., Bravecto, Capstar) that kill adult fleas and prevent new eggs from hatching
- Regularly bathe your pets with flea shampoo containing ingredients like pyrethrin to kill fleas on contact
- Comb your pets daily with a flea comb and dip the fleas in soapy water to kill them
Clean and Treat Your Home
- Vacuum thoroughly and frequently : Use a powerful vacuum on floors, carpets, upholstery, mattresses, and pet bedding, focusing on cracks and crevices where fleas hide. Dispose of vacuum bags or empty canisters immediately to prevent fleas from escaping
- Steam clean carpets and upholstery : High heat kills fleas at all life stages. Pay special attention to pet resting spots
- Wash all bedding (yours and your pets') in hot water and dry on high heat to kill fleas, eggs, and larvae. Repeat washing regularly during infestation
- Use pet-safe flea sprays or natural remedies like lemon spray, rosemary spray, or baking soda and salt sprinkled on carpets (left for a couple of days before vacuuming) to help kill or repel fleas
Additional Tips
- Maintain regular cleaning even after fleas seem gone to prevent reinfestation.
- If infestation is severe, consult your veterinarian for advice on prescription treatments and consider professional pest control
This multi-pronged approach—treating pets, cleaning the environment thoroughly, and using appropriate chemical or natural treatments—is essential to fully eradicate fleas from your home
