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How do I get Rid of Fleas in the House?

Sarah Woody
Sarah Woody

There are many ways to get rid of fleas in the house, but there are several common steps for removal. You'll have to get rid of household fleas, including from carpet, furniture, and bedding, and you'll need to remove the fleas from people and pets. Removing these pests from the objects in the house, as well as those who live there, should get rid of fleas in the house.

To remove household fleas, you will need to get rid of them in the carpet, furniture, and bedding. You can use a variety of products to remove fleas in the house, including foggers and carpet powders. Foggers require you to leave your home, though, and to take any pets and people with you, so they are not the most convenient product for dealing with a flea infestation.

A flea.
A flea.

Carpet powders are powders that you sprinkle over the carpet or on furniture, allow to sit for awhile to work, and then vacuum. You need to use the carpet powder on all areas in your home and furniture and vacuum everything thoroughly if you want to remove fleas in the house. It's also a good idea to immediately throw away the contents of the vacuum and to vacuum at least twice a week for several weeks after.

Washing linens in hot water can help get rid of fleas.
Washing linens in hot water can help get rid of fleas.

The next part of removing fleas in the house is to get rid of them from your bedding. Bedding includes sheets, comforters, blankets, and pet beds or blankets. The best way to remove fleas from these areas is to wash everything in the washing machine in hot or warm water. Be sure to check the washing instructions for your bedding items before washing them, since hot water can damage some items.

While you are washing your bedding, you want to make sure you remove fleas on your pets. This can be done by giving the pet a bath with special flea shampoo and using fine-tooth combs to comb the fleas and eggs out of the pet's hair. Be sure to thoroughly clean the pet so as to remove all fleas. You may want to give the pet more than one treatment. Once the pet has been washed, use a flea-control product on your pet, such as a flea collar or preventative ointment.

Once all of these steps are taken, you should clean yourself with a hot bath or shower. Comb your hair with a fine-tooth comb to be sure to get any fleas out. Following these steps should help you get rid of fleas in the house.

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    • A flea.
      By: Carolina K Smith MD
      A flea.
    • Washing linens in hot water can help get rid of fleas.
      By: eyewave
      Washing linens in hot water can help get rid of fleas.