How to Kill Fleas

Flea infestations in your home can be embarrassing and difficult to deal with. Fleas multiply quickly, and often are not detected until the situation is completely out of control. Here are some ways to kill fleas in your home.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Flea and tick treatment
• Washing machine
• Vacuum
• Plastic bags
• Freezer
• Flea insecticide bomb or spray

1. Treat all dogs and cats in your home with a good flea and tick treatment. These products are not all created equal. Products from a veterinarian are usually much more effective than anything sold in pet stores. Make sure the treatment is the proper dose for your dog or cat. Do not apply a flea and tick treatment to your dog within three days of bathing. The treatment bonds to the oil in the dog’s skin, which a bath removes.
2. Wash all bedding, dog bedding, throws and any other fabric items that could be infested. A wash cycle in your washing machine with soap will kill all fleas and eggs.
3. Thoroughly vacuum all fabric, upholstery and carpet surfaces that you cannot wash in the washing machine. Cushions and pillows that cannot be washed can be placed in a freezer to kill fleas and flea eggs. Steam cleaning is an often effective method of killing fleas in carpet.
4. Remove the vacuum bag or dirt collection canister from your vacuum immediately after vacuuming. Place the bag or canister in a plastic bag and put it in your freezer for several hours. Vacuuming will not necessarily kill the fleas you collect, but freezing temperatures will.
5. Purchase an insecticide spray or bombs that are formulated to kill fleas. You can usually find these products at your local pet store. Follow the product directions to rid your home of fleas. These products sometimes require multiple applications.
6. Call a professional exterminator if you cannot rid your home of persistent fleas. Sometimes the job is just too big and you need the help of a professional.
7. Continue flea and tick treatments (according to product specifications) on any pets in your home that go outdoors or could otherwise be exposed to fleas.

Tips & Warnings

• Fine-tooth flea combs can help you identify if your dog has fleas.
• Sticky flea traps can help you find where fleas are hiding in your home. Place one in each room and check to see which capture fleas.
• Do not apply dog flea treatments to cats. These treatments contain chemicals that can irritate or even kill if applied on the wrong size animal.