How To Get Rid Of Fleas In The House

If you are wondering how to get rid of fleas in the house naturally, you have a few options. These methods are chemical-free, so they might not be as potent or fast-acting as non-natural ones.

However, these methods might be ineffective if there is severe infestation. In this case, it is better to use chemicals and get professional help. 

1. Frequent Cleaning

Regular cleaning helps get rid of flea eggs and tiny larvae. Vacuuming, mopping, and steam cleaning are a great way to remove these little pests before they can grow into biting adults.

These cleaning tasks also help stop new fleas from establishing. Fleas hide in carpets, furniture, and even your pet's bed. Cleaning these areas helps kick fleas out of their hiding spots.

Finally, cleaning eliminates food sources. They feed on tiny skin flakes and pet hair. Cleaning takes away their food, making your home less inviting for them to live in.

2. Seal Cracks and Gaps

Fleas are sneaky little pests. They can squeeze into your home through tiny cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards. To stop them, seal up these openings.

It is like closing secret doors that fleas use to get inside. By plugging up those holes, you are making your home a flea-free zone.

If your pet is infested with fleas and you let them on your bed, it is probably infested with fleas. Here is how to get rid of fleas in bed. 

3. Wash Bedding Thoroughly

Take off all the sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and mattress covers. Wash everything at your washing machine's hottest setting (at least 130°F).

The heat will kill the fleas and their eggs. Then dry them on high heat to finish killing any fleas that might still be alive. 

4. Vacuum Your Mattress

Washing your sheets is not enough. When you were removing the sheets, the fleas probably escaped and hid in your mattress. Therefore, you need to clean by vacuuming. 

Use a vacuum cleaner with a powerful suction and a crevice tool to reach into seams and corners. Vacuum the entire mattress, including the top, bottom, and sides.

Pay special attention to seams, edges, and tufts where fleas like to hide. Be thorough with it cause if you miss any, reinfestation is likely. 

Vacuum your mattress multiple times if you have a severe infestation. After vacuuming, seal the vacuum bag immediately in a plastic bag and dispose of it outside to prevent fleas from escaping. 

5. Steam Clean Your Mattress

Using a steam cleaner on your mattress is an effective way to eliminate any remaining fleas or their eggs. The high temperature of the steam kills fleas, larvae, and eggs on contact.

Start by thoroughly vacuuming your mattress to remove as many fleas and debris as possible. Then, run the steam cleaner slowly over the entire surface of the mattress, paying special attention to seams, edges, and any tufts where fleas might hide. Steam can penetrate deep into the mattress, ensuring that fleas are killed even in hard-to-reach areas.

6. Inspect and Treat Your Box Spring

The box spring is often an overlooked area where fleas can hide and breed. Begin by inspecting your box spring for signs of fleas, such as small black specks (flea dirt) or tiny jumping insects.

Remove the box spring from the bed frame and vacuum it thoroughly, using a vacuum attachment to get into all the nooks and crannies. For added protection, consider using a flea spray or powder specifically designed for furniture, following the manufacturer's instructions carefully. 

7. Prevent Future Infestations

Preventing future flea infestations involves a combination of regular cleaning and protective measures. Start by washing all your bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and mattress covers, in hot water at least once a week.

The high temperature kills any fleas or eggs that may be present. In addition to washing your bedding, vacuum your mattress, box spring, and the surrounding areas regularly to remove any potential flea eggs or larvae. 

Carpets are a favorite hiding spot for fleas. It is cozy and warm, and the dark fibers of the carpet camouflage them perfectly. The carpet also has plenty of food sources because humans and pets spend the most time there. 

8. Boric Acid

Boric acid is a naturally occurring mineral compound particularly effective against fleas. It affects the larval stage of the flea life cycle.

Flea larvae ingest the boric acid while feeding on flea dirt (dried blood) and die as a result. The acid also acts as a desiccant, causing the fleas to dehydrate and die.

Sprinkle boric acid on carpets and leave it for a while before vacuuming.

9. Flea Sprays

• Before you apply the flea spray, vacuum the carpet, read the instructions on the spray, and wear protective gear. 
• Before spraying the entire carpet, test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it does not damage the fibers. 
• Open windows or doors for ventilation.
• Ensure pets and children are out of the room during and after application.
• Hold the spray bottle about 8-12 inches from the carpet and spray evenly to cover the entire area.
• Pay extra attention to areas where pets spend time, such as near their bedding or favorite spots.
• Avoid over-spraying, as it can damage your carpet.
• Let the spray dry completely before allowing pets or people back into the room.
• You might need to reapply the spray until all the infestation is eradicated.

10. Vacuum and Steam Clean 

Vacuum your carpets often to get rid of fleas. Pay close attention to where your pets like to hang out. After vacuuming, throw away the bag or empty the canister outside right away so fleas don't escape.

To kill all the fleas, including the eggs, use a steam cleaner on your carpets. The heat will kill them.

Getting rid of fleas in your yard is crucial to prevent them from entering your home and infesting your pets. Here are effective strategies to eliminate fleas from your yard. 

11. Insect Growth Regulators

Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) are a type of pesticide that disrupts the growth and development of insects. They target the eggs, larvae, and pupae of the fleas.

They work by preventing flea eggs from hatching and stopping baby fleas from becoming adults. This helps to stop new fleas from taking over. They provide long-term protection by stopping new generations of fleas from developing. 

IGRs are safe for people, pets, and the environment. But they don't kill adult fleas. Therefore, you might need to use them with other flea control methods to address existing flea populations.

12. Flea Bombs or Foggers

Flea bombs or foggers are aerosol devices that release insecticide into the air to kill fleas and other pests. The mist can penetrate cracks and crevices where fleas might hide, ensuring a more comprehensive treatment.

These insecticides are effective against every life stage of the fleas, but it is crucial to follow all safety instructions closely.

However, it is not as effective as other methods because the mist can dissipate quickly and be diluted by wind and air movement.

13. Nematodes

If you want to avoid chemicals and want something eco-friendly, you can introduce beneficial nematodes in your garden. Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms that feed on various pests, including flea larvae.

When applied to the soil, these nematodes actively seek out and infect flea larvae. Once inside the larvae, they release bacteria that kill the host.

They primarily target the larval stage of the flea, helping to break the flea life cycle. Nematodes are considered a natural and environmentally friendly pest control option.

14. Flea Comb

A flea comb is a special tool for removing fleas from your pet. It has very fine teeth that catch fleas, flea eggs, and flea poop. To use it, gently brush your pet's fur with the comb, going from head to tail.

After a few strokes, dip the comb in soapy water to kill any fleas caught in the teeth. You can also use a flea comb to check if your pet has fleas, even if they are on flea medicine.

15. Bathing

Bath your pet using a gentle, pet-safe flea shampoo. If you prefer a natural approach, use a mixture of water and mild dish soap or apple cider vinegar.

Make sure to rinse your pet thoroughly to remove all soap residue.

16. Topical Flea Treatments

Topical flea treatments are liquid solutions applied directly to a pet's skin to kill and repel fleas. These treatments are applied between the shoulder blades or along the pet's back, where they are less likely to be licked off. 

Topical flea treatments are applied as a drop on your pet's skin. The medicine soaks into their skin and starts working. It kills fleas that bite your pet and stops new fleas from growing.

These treatments usually last for about a month.

Application 

Topical flea treatment is usually applied directly onto the pet’s skin. The liquid spreads across the skin surface and is absorbed in the sebaceous glands.

Flea Reaction

Topical flea treatments kill fleas. They work by poisoning the fleas either when they touch the pet or when they bite the pet. Some treatments also stop new fleas from growing.

Duration

Most topical treatments are effective for about 30 days, providing month-long protection against fleas.

17. Oral Flea Medications

Oral flea medications are pills or chewable treats given to your pet. Once the pet eats the medicine, it works from the inside out.

The medicine spreads through the pet's body and kills fleas when they bite. Some medicines also stop flea eggs from hatching, so they can help prevent new fleas from growing.

18. Flea Shampoos

Flea shampoo can help, but it is not a miracle cure. It is useful for killing fleas on your pet when you bathe them.

However, it will not kill all the fleas, especially the eggs and larvae. You will need to use other methods to get rid of those.

Flea shampoo is best used as part of a plan with other treatments.

19. Regular Grooming

Brushing your pet regularly lets you check their skin and fur for fleas. You can also use a special flea comb to catch fleas and their eggs. This helps to stop the fleas from multiplying.

• Use a brush that's right for your pet's fur.
• Brush your pet often, paying close attention to their neck, back, and tail.
• Use a flea comb to check for fleas and eggs.
• Dip the flea comb in soapy water after each use to kill any fleas.

If none of the treatments mentioned above works and the infestation is severe, getting professional help is the best way to get rid of fleas when nothing works.

Professionals have the expertise to accurately identify the extent of the flea infestation and locate all affected areas, including hidden spots missed during self-treatment.

They have a thorough understanding of the flea life cycle and can target treatments effectively at all stages, from eggs to adults. Professionals have access to more potent and effective insecticides and treatment methods not available to the general public.

They use IPM techniques that combine chemical and non-chemical methods to achieve long-term control and prevention of fleas. They know how to handle and apply treatments safely, minimizing risks to pets, humans, and the environment.

Flea infestation is more than annoying. If you neglect the infestation, it can cause serious health problems to pets and humans and lead to property damage. Here are reasons why you need to get rid of fleas.

Pets

When fleas bite, they suck blood and inject their saliva, which causes itching and irritation in pets. This itching can lead to excessive scratching, biting, grooming, and sleep disturbance. Sometimes, pets bite their skin when it is itchy.

They might end up ingesting the flea larva that carries tapeworm larvae and end up infected with tapeworms. The biting can also break their skin and lead to infections and hot spots. 

In severe flea infestations, young, old, or debilitated animals may experience severe blood loss, which causes anemia. Pets might become so irritated and stressed that it can lead to behavioral changes, such as restlessness, irritability, and decreased appetite.

Humans

Like pets, humans may experience itching, redness, and irritation. People with sensitive skin may experience severe itching and skin reactions. Scratching flea bites can break the skin, leading to secondary bacterial infections.

Humans can also end up contracting diseases such as murine typhus from fleas. Symptoms of this disease include fever, headache, body aches, and rash.

If humans accidentally swallow fleas, they may be infected with tapeworms. Severe cases of tapeworm infections can lead to digestive issues like abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea. 

Home

Flea infestations are a significant problem. They can spread quickly throughout your home, hiding in carpets, furniture, and bedding. They can attract other pests, such as ants and rodents, which are drawn to flea eggs and larvae.

Getting rid of them is often difficult and requires a thorough cleaning of your home and treatment of your pets. This process can be both time-consuming and expensive.

You will need to pay for veterinary care, cleaning supplies, and possibly insecticides. Even after treatment, fleas can return if not eliminated, making the problem even more frustrating.

If you are wondering how hard is it to get rid of fleas, there is some bad news. Flea infestation is quite the battle for various reasons, as mentioned below.

Flea Lifecycle

Fleas start as eggs, larvae, and pupae and then become adults. The eggs and larvae are difficult to find because they hide in hard-to-reach places. Additionally, the pupae are resistant to many treatments, making it difficult to eradicate the flea population. 

Fleas reproduce rapidly. A single female flea can lay dozens of eggs per day. These eggs hatch in ten days into larvae, which develop into pupae over several weeks. The pupae last from 5 to 20 days, depending on the conditions.

This means new generations can emerge as quickly as getting rid of the old generation. 

Environmental Factors

Fleas hide in many places around your home. They love carpets, furniture, and bedding. To get rid of them, you will need to clean everything thoroughly. If you have a yard, fleas can live there as well.

So, you will need to treat your outdoor spaces to prevent re-infestation. 

Another tricky thing about fleas is their life cycle. Their eggs can wait a long time before hatching. This means that even after you think you have gotten rid of them, new fleas can appear.

Treatment Difficulties

Many fleas have become resistant to insecticides, making them harder to kill. To effectively control fleas, you often need to use several methods together, like treating your pets, spraying your home, and deep cleaning. Coordinating all of this can be complicated.

Unfortunately, it takes time and effort to get rid of fleas completely. You will probably need to repeat treatments and clean thoroughly several times. It could take weeks to get rid of them all.