How Can I Get Rid of Fleas in My House?


Indoor flea control involves removing as many fleas as you can as well as killing as many fleas as you can. No matter what method of flea control you choose for your home, know that completely eradicating fleas from a house can take years due to the life cycle, mating habits, and reintroduction of fleas. Flea removal requires consistency and a regular routine to rid the area of any surviving fleas. If you do not have the time or effort to dedicate to this pursuit, a professional exterminator may be a viable option for you.


  • Vacuum your entire house from top to bottom, even if you do not have carpeting. Vacuum floors, corners, baseboard heaters and any furniture. Not only will vacuuming pick up flea eggs, but it will also cause vibrations that will wake flea eggs from hibernation, exposing them to any pesticides you may use later. (See the first reference in the references section.) Add a cut-up flea collar to your vacuum bag or receptacle before you start vacuuming, and dispose of the bag as soon as you are finished, even if it isn't full.

Chemical or Natural Insecticide

  • Cover your house in a chemical pesticide specifically designed for fleas. Some products are airborne and require all living beings to evacuate the house for a number of hours. This can be inconvenient, as well as costly, especially if you have a large house. Flea powders that can be sprinkled on carpets are less costly and cover a wider area. Be sure to use a chemical that has an insect growth regulator, which will stop fleas from maturing. (See the third reference in the references section for more on this.)
    If you are averse to trying chemicals, a food-grade product called diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled in the same manner as chemical flea powders. Diatomaceous earth is made from the crushed fossils of a marine animal, the diatom. Diatomaceous earth has edges that are sharp enough to cut the soft exoskeleton of adult fleas. It is also extremely absorbent when dry and will absorb the fluids leaking out of the dying fleas. Do not use diatomaceous earth formulated for pools, as this can be toxic to your pets as well as yourself.

Treat Your Pets

  • Treat your pets regularly for fleas. This will prevent infestation (or reinfestation) of your pet, as well as reinfestation of your house. Use nonchemical means such as bathing, flea combs and diatomaceous earth. Pesticides should be used sparingly and only in cases where the flea population has spiraled out of control and cannot be eliminated by any other means. While there are several safe flea medications formulated for pets, they are still considered poisons, and there may be a chance of side effects. (See the third reference in the references section for more on this.)


Promoted By Zergnet


You May Also Like

Related Searches

Check It Out

22 DIY Ways to Update Your Home on a Small Budget

Submit Your Work!