How to Get Rid of Fleas in a House Quickly

4 October 2024
by Tracy

A flea infestation can escalate rapidly, but with the right approach, you can eliminate fleas from your house efficiently. Here’s how to do it:

1. Vacuum Everything Thoroughly

Fleas hide in carpets, furniture, and cracks in floors. Vacuum every room, focusing on carpets, upholstered furniture, and bedding. After vacuuming, immediately dispose of the bag outside the property, or empty the container outside to prevent fleas from escaping back into the house.

2. Wash Bedding and Fabrics

Wash all bedding, pet bedding, and clothing that may have been exposed to fleas in hot water (above 50° C), then dry on the highest heat setting to kill fleas at all life stages.

3. Use Flea Sprays

Apply a flea spray containing insect growth regulators (IGRs) to break the flea lifecycle. Ensure the product is safe for indoor use and follow all instructions carefully. Target carpets, skirtings, and upholstered furniture where fleas are likely to hide.

4. Treat Your Pets

If you have pets, treat them with flea treatments like topical solutions or oral medications recommended by a vet. Use flea combs to remove fleas from their fur.

Fleas infected on dog fur

5. Steam Clean Carpets and Upholstery

If possible, steam clean your carpets and furniture. The heat from steam cleaners will kill fleas, eggs, larvae, and pupae. This will really help control the fleas, but you’ll need to be through and really steam clean all nooks and crannies.

How to Get Rid of Fleas in the Garden

Fleas can also breed in your garden, so it’s essential to address outdoor areas as well. Otherwise they can easily be picked up by pets, and come back into the home. Here’s what to do.

1. Mow the grass Regularly

Keep grass short and remove any debris, such as leaf litter, where fleas might hide and breed.

2. Use Flea Control Products

Apply outdoor flea control products, such as sprays or granules, to areas where fleas are likely to thrive, like shaded spots or areas where pets spend time.

3. Introduce Beneficial Nematodes

Beneficial nematodes are microscopic organisms that feed on flea larvae. They are a natural way to reduce flea populations in your garden.

How to Get Rid of Fleas in the Roof

Fleas can sometimes find their way into roof spaces, especially if rodents or other animals are present. Fleas especially enjoy living in the insulation materials. If you think you have fleas in the attic, here’s what to do:

1. Inspect and Remove Rodents

Rodents can carry fleas, so it’s crucial to seal entry points and eliminate any rodents in your roof. Use traps or consult pest control professionals  such as Merlin Environmental for assistance.

2. Apply Flea Dust or Sprays

Use flea powders or sprays suitable for roof spaces. Be sure to follow safety precautions when applying these products in enclosed spaces as you shouldn’t inhale them.

3. Ventilate the Area

Proper ventilation can help dry out roof spaces, making them less hospitable to fleas, who tend to like moisture. This might also mean fixing any leaks or areas where moisture is seeping in under eaves.

Flea solutions for businesses

Fleas can cause significant disruptions for businesses, especially in industries like hospitality, retail, or care homes, where customer safety and comfort are paramount. A flea infestation can lead to reputational damage, unhappy clients, and even potential health concerns. For businesses seeking fast, discreet, and highly effective solutions, Merlin Environmental offers a trusted flea pest control service. With a 98% success rate on first-time treatments, nationwide coverage, and non-toxic methods, Merlin is well-equipped to resolve flea infestations while protecting your business’s image. Contact Merlin Environmental to ensure your flea problem is quickly and effectively eradicated.

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