How to Treat Your House for Fleas From a Cat

Consult with your vet about the right flea medicine for your cat.

If you have a cat and you do not properly treat it with flea medication during the warmer seasons of the year, you could end up with a flea infestation in your home. The first thing you need to do is take care of your cat with a flea bath, applying the soap first to the top of the cat's head. Then apply a topical flea medication as directed. Now, it's time to treat your house for the flea infestation brought in by your cat. With the right treatment, you can get rid of the fleas for good.

Things You'll Need

• Washing machine
• Vacuum cleaner
• Plastic bags
• Insecticide

Instructions

1. Place all your cat's bedding, as well as linens and throw rugs, in the washing machine. Wash on the hottest setting to kill the fleas.

2. Vacuum all the carpets in your home. Move furniture and other items to vacuum all the carpet, not just what is visible.

3. Remove cushions from upholstered furniture. Vacuum the cushions, as well as the entire surface of the furniture.

4. Seal the contents of your vacuum cleaner in a plastic bag or remove the disposable bag. Ensure it's completely sealed and dispose of it in your outside trash.

5. Spray down your carpets, including underneath furniture and other items, with an insecticide. The insecticide should contain an insect-growth regulator. Remove children and pets from the house before applying the pesticide.

6. Let the carpets dry completely and vacuum them a second time. Again, be thorough when vacuuming to make sure you get all the fleas.

7. Vacuum all your carpets, including underneath items, once a day for about two weeks. Fleas continue to hatch, and you need to be ready to vacuum them up.

References

• University of California: How to Manage Pests --- Fleas