How To

How to Prevent Flea Infestation in Your Home

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(17 Ratings)

Getting rid of fleas takes an all-out effort. After fleas are eliminated, routine but diligent care can prevent re-infestation.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Notice where all your pets hang out inside and outside of your home. Clean these areas thoroughly, at least once a week.

  2. Step 2

    Make an appointment with a veterinarian. Your pets need to be checked and treated for fleas, especially if you're trying to prevent them from entering your home.

  3. Step 3

    Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Everything, from carpets, floors, rugs and drapes, to upholstered furniture, mattresses and cushions, should be vacuumed. Dispose of the vacuum-cleaner bag after each use.

  4. Step 4

    Clean wood and tile floors with special attention to grooves, cracks and baseboards.

  5. Step 5

    Sweep porches, steps and decks.

  6. Step 6

    Wash or discard all pet bedding.

  7. Step 7

    Cut the lawn and remove debris and clutter prior to using any flea treatment in the yard.

  8. Step 8

    Place all food in covered containers and keep it in cabinets or the refrigerator. Food preparation surfaces and utensils should be covered.

  9. Step 9

    Remember that you have three ways of preventing flea infestations:

  10. Step 10

    Destroy the pests' habitat by eliminating "hot spots" around the home, as above.

  11. Step 11

    Keep fleas out by screening foundation vents and other access areas to keep mice, rats, squirrels and other flea-carrying wild animals out.

  12. Step 12

    Resort to insecticide remedies, by applying insecticide to parts of the structure and outdoor areas, paying close attention to areas frequented by pets.

Who Can Help

Comments  

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kokoro said

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on 7/7/2009 HELP I HAVE NO PETS LIVE IN A APARTMENT AND HAVE FLEAS MY KIDS ARE GREATLY AFFECTED I THINK MY NEW NEIGHBOR IS THE CULPRIT SINCE SHE MOVED IN WE STARTED FEELING THE FLEAS AND SHE KEPT COMPLAINING ABOUT FLEAS AND WE HAD NEVER HAD A PRBLEM BEFORE

spotlight said

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on 11/25/2008 It is hard to get rid of fleas, but some people find it impossible. If that is you, read How to Kill Invisible / Microscopic Parasites, Bugs, and Insects

nikki08 said

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on 9/13/2008 sheerbar and ilovemydog, do you move everything out of your house when you do the spray? My family has 2 big bed and it is hard to move them out. So I'm worry if I only spray the areas that I can work with there might be more infestation that I couldn't work with. help!

nikki08 said

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on 9/13/2008 sheerbar and ilovemydog, do you move everything out of your house when you do the spray? My family has 2 big bed and it is hard to move them out. So I'm worry if I only spray the areas that I can work with there might be more infestation that I couldn't work with. help!

sheerbar said

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on 8/22/2008 The neem works by starving the flea, and prevents fertilization,no eggs.....works like a charm...I didn;t believe it until I tried it..

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