Getting rid of persistent fleas requires a comprehensive, multi-pronged attack: treat the pet with vet-approved products, thoroughly clean and vacuum the entire house (carpets, furniture, cracks) daily, wash all bedding in hot water, use household insecticides with Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) and flea bombs, and consider professional pest control for severe cases, as fleas live in the environment, not just on pets.
Use a spray flea killer and spray it onto cotton balls. Put those cotton balls into your vacuum cleaner. Any fleas you pick up with get that stuff on them and it will help kill them. Empty your vacuum right after you are done and throw it into your outdoor trash. Good luck.
To instantly kill fleas in the house, use a strong insecticide spray or bomb with an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) for lasting effects, or try immediate, physical methods like vacuuming and steam cleaning carpets/bedding daily while treating pets with fast-acting oral meds (like Capstar) or warm soapy baths, but remember true elimination requires breaking the life cycle over weeks by cleaning pet bedding and removing the vacuum bag immediately.
Use a hand sprayer to treat all carpets with an insecticide that contains an insect growth regulator. Allow carpets to dry, then vacuum a second time to remove additional fleas the spray caused to emerge. Continue to vacuum for 10 days to 2 weeks to kill adult fleas that continue to emerge from pupal cocoons.
You can completely eliminate a flea infestation at a specific point in time, but fleas can always find their way back if your pet is unprotected. With consistent treatment, proper cleaning, and preventative care, you can keep your home flea-free and stop minor issues from turning into full-blown infestations.
Use a household spray
Home sprays such as FRONTLINE HOMEGARD® can be used throughout the home, on non-washable furniture and home textiles such as carpets, mats and sofas. It kills fleas, flea larvae, stops flea eggs from hatching in the home – and kills ticks too! Household sprays should never be used on pets.
Itching and scratching
Fleas cause skin irritation from bites and nesting. You may be dealing with a severe infestation if your pets are constantly itching and scratching.
If you're wondering if fleas will go away on their own, the answer is a firm no. These tiny insects are persistent and resourceful, capable of surviving in your home for months without a host. From the flea life cycle to their ability to thrive in hidden areas, fleas require a strategic approach to eliminate them.
Here are nine scents that people love and fleas hate:
No, fleas cannot establish permanent colonies in human hair. They prefer animal fur and typically jump off humans within 24 hours. Human hair lacks the density and warmth that fleas need for reproduction and long-term survival.
They can wait patiently for weeks, even months, especially in cooler temperatures, for the right triggers (like vibrations from footsteps or warmth) to emerge as mature fleas. Given these stages and environmental conditions, fleas can survive in your carpet anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months.
Natural Remedy: Diatomaceous Earth
You can sprinkle it on carpets, bedding, and furniture. Let it sit for several hours, then vacuum it up. It kills fleas by drying them out. You can also use it on your lawn.
Warmer weather is giving them a longer season with more bites, more risks, and more chances to spread into new areas.
What you should do: You must treat every place the dog and cat like to lay around or you will continue to get fleas when the dropped flea larvae hatch. Such places include window ledges, in closets and under beds, and the backs of chairs. You are dealing with flea pupae which are immune to your sprays.
Vacuuming can kill adult fleas instantly, but eggs and pupae may survive. Plan on vacuuming daily for at least 3 to 6 weeks to break the life cycle and stop new fleas from emerging. Always empty the bag outside after each use to prevent reinfestation.
While fleas and ticks can survive in various conditions, they thrive in warm and humid weather. For most regions, late spring through early fall is their prime season. During these months, pets spending time outdoors are more likely to encounter these pests in grass, wooded areas, or even your backyard.
All of this adds up to a fragrant barrier that repels mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other bugs when you rub it on your skin. As a bonus, Vicks VapoRub can also reduce inflammation if a bug does bite you.
Homemade Flea Repellent Spray
Instructions: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. You can also add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or cedarwood. Spray lightly on pet bedding, carpets, and furniture. Always do a spot test first.
How to Repel Fleas on Humans. You can use some natural flea repellents, including some essential oils, as flea repellents placed directly on skin. A small-scale human study found that thyme oil and myrtle oil were more repellent against fleas on people than either permethrin or DEET.
Your washer does just as much heavy lifting as your dryer. Use hot water, at least 130°F, when washing clothes, sheets, and especially your pet's bedding. That temperature kills fleas and larvae before they reach the dryer. Laundry detergent doesn't kill fleas on its own.
Fleas typically enter the home by hitching a ride on dogs, outdoor cats, and pests such as mice and rats. They can also enter through open windows. Once indoors, fleas can lay eggs in carpets, bedding, and furniture, causing an infestation.
Vacuum upholstery thoroughly. Use flea sprays designed for furniture that are safe for use around the types of pets in your home. Wash removable covers and cushions in hot soapy water. Dry on high heat (if washing instructions allow).
Treat quickly: If you spot fleas on your pet, treat them quickly, as they can give your cat or dog tapeworms and diseases (make sure you worm your pet as well). Clean bedding regularly and vacuum furniture, floors and skirting boards to help destroy fleas at each stage of their lifecycle.
Yes, fleas can live on the carpet. The carpet provides an ideal environment for fleas to hide, reproduce, and wait for a new host. Fleas lay their eggs on the host animal (such as a pet), but these eggs can easily fall off and end up on the carpet. As larvae hatch, they spin cocoons and develop into pupae.
Vacuuming - Vacuum every floor surface and surface that your pets get on 3 - 4 times weekly for 3 - 6 weeks. This includes laminate, tiles, hardwood, carpets, rugs, etc.