Removing A Flea Infestation

By Author: Josh Bloom
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If you have pets, it is very likely that they will pick up fleas. While most adult fleas live on animals, they do lay eggs in a pet's environment. If your pets are indoors, there is a good chance that they will transport the fleas into your home. As a result, your home could become a breeding ground for fleas. Once the eggs have hatched, they develop into larvae and pupae before becoming adult fleas. When aiming to remove a flea infestation, you need to use products that will eliminate the eggs, larvae and pupae and not just the adult fleas. Otherwise, you may find yourself with a recurring problem.

How Fleas Become a Problem in Your Home
Flea bites are unpleasant, even for adults. Once bitten, small red dots appear on the skin and become itchy. Children and babies can become miserable if they are affected by flea bites. Most times, fleas are transferred by pets such as cats and dogs. If adequate preventative measures are not taken , adult fleas can lay their eggs in carpets, soft furniture and bed linen, and you can find yourself with an infestation.

What to do to Remove a Flea Infestation
If you ...
... notice fleas on your pets or in your home then one of your first steps is to bathe your pets in anti-flea shampoo and fit them with flea collars. Shampoos are very effective in killing off adult fleas and help protect your pets against picking up fleas from outside.

The next step is to vacuum your home thoroughly. Take particular care to lift and vacuum under rugs, furniture, drapes and curtains, and particularly in corners and around your pet's bedding. Research shows that proper and regular vacuuming can remove at least half the flea eggs in carpets and other soft furnishings. In areas where your pets are frequently, you should vacuum daily; in other areas, once a week should be adequate. Once finished, empty out your vacuum bag into a separate plastic packet and tie the packet closed. Discard the packet in an outdoor garbage can immediately.

Once you have vacuumed, you need to treat your home with a product that will get rid of the remaining eggs and larvae. These come in the form of sprays, carpet powders and foggers. Foggers are very effective for larger rooms and more severe infestations as the fumes reach under furniture and in cracks that you may not be able to get to otherwise. Choose a time when the area will be vacant to treat the room. Make sure that all plants and pets, including birds and fish are removed from the room before treatment. Follow the directions exactly and be sure to ventilate the area after treatment before moving pets and plants back into the room.

Wash your pets bedding and spray or sprinkle it with flea powder once it dries. Separately wash and iron any drapes or linen that you think may be affected. If you regularly drive your dog to the beach or park for a walk, then be sure to clean out your car as well. Use the same process of vacuuming, spraying and ventilating to ensure you eliminate any possible infestation.

Things to Consider When Deciding on What Type of Product to Use
When dealing with flea infestations you will want a product that exterminates adult fleas as well as the eggs and larvae. There are two elements you should look for in flea treatment products. A good product should contain an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) and adulticide. Examples are methoprene or pyriproxyfen.

The severity of your infestation may determine whether you use a spray, powder or fogger. Sprays and powders are sufficient for minor infestations that are limited to one part of a room or home. For larger areas, it would be more cost-effective to use a fogger.

Professional Extermination Options
You can of course save yourself a lot of trouble and call in a professional pest removal company to deal with the infestation. If it's particularly severe, this may actually be the best option. Professional exterminators have a variety of methods they use and some also have environmentally friendly cleaning options. If you have small children and sensitive pets such as birds, this is possibly the safer method. A professional company will ensure that the area is completed cleared and cleaned after the process. This eliminates the risk of residue that may be left behind after using home sprays and foggers.
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