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How Do I Get Rid of Fleas in My House?

Written by PestMan Editorial TeamTechnical review pendingPublished Updated

Quick answer

Treat every pet with a vet-recommended flea product at the same time, then treat the house: vacuum carpets, furniture and pet areas daily for two to three weeks and wash pet bedding hot. Most of a flea population lives in the home as eggs, larvae and pupae, not on the pet, so it takes a few weeks of steady effort to break the cycle.

Why this happens

Adult fleas on pets lay eggs that fall into carpets, bedding and furniture. Larvae develop there and spin protected cocoons. Pupae can wait for weeks before hatching, which is why fleas come back after treatment.

Treating pets kills adults that jump on, while vacuuming removes eggs and larvae and triggers pupae to hatch so new fleas meet treated pets and surfaces.

What you can do

  • Treat all dogs and cats in the household on the same day with products your vet recommends, and keep it up monthly.
  • Vacuum carpets, rugs, couches, skirting boards and car seats daily for two to three weeks; empty the vacuum outside.
  • Wash pet bedding, throws and rugs on a hot cycle weekly.
  • Check where pets rest outdoors, under the house and in the car.
  • Consider a registered household flea product with an insect growth regulator, used according to the label.

What not to do

  • Never use dog flea products on cats unless the label says they are safe for cats.
  • Do not stop vacuuming after a few days; pupae keep hatching for weeks.
Using pest products safely

If you use any insecticide, bait or trap, read the label first and follow it exactly, including directions for children and pets. Australian law requires products to be used only as the label directs.

When professional help may be needed

If fleas persist after four to six weeks of pet treatment and daily vacuuming, a pest manager can treat carpets and sub-floor areas and check for wildlife sources such as possums.

Fleas

Tiny, wingless, jumping insects that feed on the blood of pets and people. Most of a flea population lives in carpets, bedding and yards as eggs, larvae and pupae, not on the pet.

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Sources & further reading

PestMan provides general information only and does not replace licensed pest-management, medical, veterinary or structural advice. Always read and follow product labels. Read our disclaimer.