Treatments for getting rid of fleas

Fleas can easily enter your home by hitchhiking on your pets, coming in on your shoes or clothing after spending time outdoors, or even jumping in through open windows or doors. If you want to learn how to get rid of fleas, you need more than just some simple tips on bathing your dog. Fighting a flea infestation could take days, maybe even weeks, thanks to the flea's life cycle, abilities, and habits. It's not an easy job, but here's everything you need to know about how to get rid of fleas in your house.

Signs of a flea infestation in your home

Fleas can quickly become a major nuisance in your home, affecting both your pets and family. Understanding the signs of a flea infestation is crucial if you want to get rid of fleas in your house effectively. Here are some common indicators that you may be dealing with a flea problem:

• Frequent scratching: If your pets are scratching or biting at their skin more than usual, it could be a sign of fleas.
• Flea dirt: Look for tiny black specks on your pet’s fur or bedding; these are often flea feces.
• Red bites: Humans may experience red, itchy bites, particularly on the ankles and legs, indicating flea activity.
• Visible fleas: Spotting actual fleas jumping around on your pets or in your home can confirm an infestation.
• Increased pet grooming: If your pet grooms excessively, it may be trying to relieve the discomfort caused by fleas.

Essential steps for at-home flea control

Quickly addressing a flea problem is essential because these pests can cause significant discomfort for both pets and humans, leading to potential health issues like allergic reactions and infections. To effectively get rid of fleas in your house, it's crucial to take immediate steps. Begin by treating your pets with veterinarian-recommended flea medications and thoroughly clean pet bedding and areas where your pets frequently are. Wash items in hot water and vacuum carpets and upholstery to remove eggs and larvae.

Deep clean your home

Deep cleaning your home is a vital step in effectively eliminating a flea infestation. Fleas and their eggs can hide in carpets, upholstery, and cracks in wooden floors, making it essential to target these areas through thorough cleaning. Additionally, washing bedding, throws, and any fabric your pets frequently use in hot water helps kill any remaining fleas and eggs.

Vacuuming

Vacuuming will address a bigger problem associated with flea infestations in your house instead of just killing them, which are the eggs, larvae, and pupae. Eliminating just the adult fleas won't work since you'll soon have a new generation of biters to deal with. Vacuuming also helps get rid of dried blood and feces, thus removing the food sources of developing fleas. Make sure to get under beds and any other immovable furniture, paying special attention to carpet areas where your pets sleep.

Washing fabrics

To effectively get rid of fleas in your house, it's essential to wash fabrics like clothing, curtains, and throw pillows. By washing items, you can help eliminate any lingering fleas, eggs, or larvae that might be hidden within the fibers. Using hot water and a thorough wash cycle not only kills adult fleas but also disrupts their lifecycle, preventing further infestations.

Steam cleaning

Using steam as a flea treatment for your home can be a highly effective method to help eliminate both fleas and their eggs. The high temperature of steam penetrates deep into fibers, ensuring that it reaches areas where fleas like to hide, effectively killing them on contact. To get the most out of steam cleaning, focus on areas like your carpets, rugs, furniture, and even your pet's bedding.

Flea control products

When dealing with a flea infestation, there are a variety of control products that can help eliminate them. Here are some of the most common flea treatments for your home:

• Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs): These mimic hormones that prevent flea larvae from growing into adults, effectively stopping their reproduction cycle. Even if adult fleas are present, the IGRs can minimize future generations, making your flea control efforts more successful.
• Flea sprays and powders: These can be applied directly to carpets, furniture, and pet bedding. Look for sprays containing adulticides (to kill existing fleas) and IGRs (to disrupt the lifecycle).
• Total-release aerosols: These can treat large areas but must be used with caution due to potential health risks for humans and pets.

While numerous DIY flea treatments are available, hiring a professional is the most effective way to get rid of fleas in your house. Terminix flea control solutions can help to eliminate and prevent future flea infestations in your house.

How to get rid of fleas in your yard

To effectively get rid of fleas in your yard, start by regularly mowing your lawn and maintaining a tidy outdoor space, as they thrive in long grass and overgrown areas. Eliminate any debris or clutter where fleas could hide, such as piles of leaves or wood. To prevent future infestations, ensure that pets are treated with veterinarian-approved flea control treatments and avoid letting them roam in untreated areas.

Leave the indoor flea removal to professionals

At Terminix, we understand that a flea infestation requires more than just quick fixes; it demands a comprehensive approach. Our professional pest control services specifically target and get rid of fleas inside your house. We utilize advanced treatments and techniques to reach hidden areas in your home where fleas thrive, including carpets, upholstery, and pet bedding.

Schedule an inspection to get started, or try our Terminix PestFree365+ pest control plan¹ to protect your home year-round from up to 39 pests, including fleas.²