7 Things You Need to Do When You Find Fleas at Home

Fleas are a common household pest that can quickly spread and cause significant discomfort to both humans and pets. If you notice fleas in your home, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent an infestation. Fleas can reproduce rapidly, leading to itching, allergic reactions, and even transmission of diseases.

In this guide, we’ll discuss 7 essential steps to take when you find fleas at home, using practical tips, effective solutions, and professional advice. If you need assistance, call PPestControl at (866) 228-5691 for expert help.

1. Identify the Source of Fleas

Fleas often enter the home by hitching a ride on pets, rodents, or even clothing. Identifying the source of the fleas is the first step to effectively controlling the infestation.

Common sources of fleas include:

Source	Description
Pets	Fleas are commonly carried by dogs and cats.
Wild Animals	Raccoons, squirrels, and rodents can bring fleas into the home.
Second-Hand Items	Fleas may hitch a ride on furniture, clothing, or bedding purchased second-hand.
Yard/Outdoor Areas	Fleas can live in the yard or nearby areas, eventually making their way indoors.

Once you’ve identified the source, you can begin targeting the area where the fleas are entering or breeding. If you’re unsure about the source, PPestControl can help inspect your home and find the origin of the problem.

2. Treat Your Pets for Fleas

If you have pets, it’s essential to treat them immediately. Fleas can quickly spread from animals to humans, so addressing the issue with your pets will help prevent further infestations.

How to treat your pets for fleas:

Use vet-recommended flea treatments such as spot-on treatments, oral medications, or flea collars.
Bathe your pets with flea shampoo.
Regularly groom your pets to remove fleas and eggs.
Wash pet bedding in hot water to kill any fleas, eggs, or larvae.

By treating your pets, you can stop fleas from multiplying in your home.

3. Vacuum Your Home Thoroughly

Fleas and their eggs can hide in carpets, rugs, upholstery, and pet bedding. Vacuuming your home thoroughly is one of the most effective ways to reduce the flea population.

Vacuuming tips:

Vacuum all carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture.
Pay attention to corners, cracks, and pet areas where fleas tend to hide.
Empty the vacuum bag or canister immediately after use to prevent fleas from escaping.

Vacuuming helps remove fleas, eggs, and larvae, and it’s a simple first step in controlling an infestation.

4. Wash All Bedding, Fabrics, and Clothing

Fleas and their eggs can also be found on various fabrics around your home. Washing and sanitizing these items can help eliminate any fleas that are hiding in your bedding, curtains, or clothing.

Steps to wash fabrics effectively:

Wash all bedding, pillowcases, blankets, and pet bedding in hot water.
Dry items on the highest heat setting to kill fleas, eggs, and larvae.
Include clothing, towels, and any fabric your pets may have been in contact with.

By sanitizing fabrics, you remove another potential source for fleas to breed and spread.

5. Use Flea Treatments for Your Home

In addition to treating your pets and washing fabrics, it’s crucial to treat the areas where fleas may be hiding. Flea sprays, powders, and foggers can be used to target fleas in your home.

Flea treatment options:

Treatment Type	How It Works
Flea Sprays	Sprayed directly on carpets, furniture, and cracks to kill fleas on contact.
Flea Powders	Sprinkled over carpets and floors, they kill fleas by dehydrating them.
Flea Foggers	A fumigation solution that disperses insecticides throughout your home to kill fleas in hard-to-reach areas.

It’s essential to follow the instructions carefully to ensure the treatments are effective. If the infestation persists or seems widespread, PPestControl can assist with professional flea control treatments.

6. Seal Cracks and Gaps

Fleas can enter your home through cracks and gaps in doors, windows, and walls. Sealing these entry points will help prevent future infestations and limit the areas where fleas can hide.

Sealing tips:

Inspect your home for cracks or gaps in windows, doors, and walls.
Use caulk or weather stripping to seal small cracks.
Repair damaged screens on windows and vents to block flea entry.

Taking these preventive measures helps reduce the likelihood of fleas returning to your home.

7. Monitor and Maintain a Flea-Free Environment

After you’ve taken steps to eliminate fleas, it’s crucial to monitor your home regularly to ensure they don’t come back. Flea infestations can reoccur, so continuous vigilance is key to long-term success.

Preventive measures:

Keep your pets on a regular flea prevention program recommended by your vet.
Regularly vacuum and wash bedding to remove any remaining fleas or eggs.
Schedule professional flea treatments if needed to ensure your home stays flea-free.

If you need help with ongoing flea control or suspect a persistent infestation, PPestControl can help with regular pest control services to ensure your home remains protected.

Quick Checklist: 7 Things to Do When You Find Fleas at Home

Identify the source of the fleas.
Treat your pets for fleas.
Vacuum your home thoroughly.
Wash all bedding, fabrics, and clothing.
Use flea treatments for your home.
Seal cracks and gaps to prevent entry.
Monitor and maintain a flea-free environment.

Conclusion

Fleas can cause significant discomfort, but with the right approach, you can eliminate them and keep your home safe. By identifying the source, treating your pets, vacuuming thoroughly, and using the proper flea treatments, you can manage an infestation effectively. If you need expert help or are dealing with a persistent flea problem, PPestControl is here to assist.

Call us today at (866) 228-5691 for professional flea control services.