Things You'll Need:
- Vaccuum cleaner
- Washer/dryer
- Flea killer to be used in carpet (powders), hard surfaces (spray), and on pets (Frontline)
- Flea comb for pets
- garbage bags
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Step 1
The first step in beginning the flea elimination process is to remember that it is just that, a PROCESS. It may take several days, weeks, or maybe months before you see a significant difference in the flea population. The extent to which you will see fast results depends greatly on how aggressive you are in your approach as well as how long the infestation was ongoing before you intervened. The longer you wait to start treatment will mean the longer you must wait to see results. The problem is due to the life cycle of fleas which consists of several stages. You must eliminate all stages of flea life before you can totally extinguish the existence in your home.
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Step 2
If the fleas are living on your pets it is important to treat them immediately to help decrease the food source for the pests. Although I have tried many treatments (including powders, collars, brushing, shampoos, generic topical treatments, etc) I have found that the product "Frontline" indefinitely is the best. It is a topical treatment applied to the animal's skin that kills fleas for up to 30 days (among other parasites). This treatment will help kill the fleas currently living on the pet as well as those eggs that hatch. Frontline will help break the cycle when used with the other following techniques. It can usually be bought at your local vet as well as most other pet stores as well as online venues. Use as directed only and make sure to use the correct species formula e.g. use dog formula for dogs only, don't apply to cats.
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Step 3
One of the most important things you can do as a homeowner is to vacuum all floors daily. This includes carpeting as well as hard surfaces. Many fleas lay eggs in carpet fibers, along baseboards, on rugs, furniture, etc. so it is imperative that you clean these surfaces daily to catch all live fleas, eggs, possible larvae, etc. You may also want to use carpet powders and treatments for further help before carpeting. Also, remove all unnecessary decorative pillows, rugs, blankets, etc that may provide a breeding ground for fleas. Wash these items thoroughly and bag them up until the fleas are eradicated. If you feel you have a serious flea investation you may also want to clean carpets with a steam cleaner for a deeper clean. IMPORTANT: when vacuuming carpets make SURE you empty the bag/cartridge daily and do so OUTDOORS. Simply dumping the canister or bag into an indoor garbage can will let fleas simply jump back out.
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Step 4
Flea combs are available at inexpensive prices at most pet stores and mass merchandisers.You should also flea comb pets daily to moniter the amount of fleas and flea dirt on the animal. Flea combing also helps remove dead fleas after you have applied Frontline or other pesticide products. Comb the pet and drown all live fleas in soapy water.
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Step 5
Wash all bedding(both for humans and pets) weekly to kill all fleas and remove residue. Also, spray down all furniture with flea spray, remembering to also treat areas under cushions and in crevices.
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Step 6
Rinse down areas where pets like to lay with soapy water. Do this on a weekly basis at minimum.
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Step 7
Keep repeating the above steps until there is NO evidence of fleas. Don't get frustrated, it may take awhile but you can break the flea reproduction cycle. As a last resort you may also use bombs/foggers in your home to kill all fleas. Foggers can be dangerous and should be used after reading carefully reading directions. Using a bomb will require that all pets and people leave the premise for a few hours. Foggers tend to be very effective at killing live fleas and are relatively inexpensive.
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Step 8
If after a couple months you still have seen no decrease in the flea population you may want to consult a professional exterminator.
