Getting rid of fleas inside the house is a common problem, so don’t panic if you suddenly notice an infestation in your home, especially if you share life with pets.
Fleas are one of the most frustrating and persistent insect infestations that can occur in a home, especially as they burrow into carpets, sofas, and seemingly every corner of a room.
Here’s how to get rid of fleas in the house fast and prevent them from coming back.
How can I get rid of fleas in my house quickly?
If your beloved pet has fleas, chances are your floors and furniture are also infested. In addition to making sure to regularly comb your cat, dog, or rabbit with a flea comb, there are many natural ways to help get rid of fleas quickly inside your home.
1. Use baking soda to kill fleas
Baking soda has multiple uses, from cleaning with baking soda to using baking soda to kill ants, but did you know you can also use this pantry staple to get rid of fleas inside the house?
It’s no secret that fleas can transmit disease to humans, so it’s imperative that you take steps to eradicate them in the first place, especially if you’ve burrowed deep into the fibers of a carpet or rug.
A surefire way to get rid of fleas is to sprinkle baking soda on it, rub it in, and then vacuum up any residue. You may have to do this several times before all the fleas are removed. Also pay close attention to areas where pets sleep. However, if your flea infestation is heavier, you may want to try some of the methods below.
2. Try a homemade lemon-infused spray
These moments can cause us to reach for the insecticides. However, full of chemicals, commercial treatments are often at odds with ideas of sustainable gardens.
This is where homemade bug spray and deterrents come into play. Created from items you’d find in your store cupboard, they’re quick and effective ways to get rid of fleas inside the house.
Thanks to their acid quality, lemons are a totally natural way to eliminate the presence of fleas in the home. They’re also a brilliant way to clean a microwave and clean an oven. also. One of the easiest homemade bug sprays, simply boil water and lemon together in a pan, let cool overnight, and pour the lemon-infused water into a spray bottle. Shake well and apply to affected areas.
However, while we generally always advocate environmentally safe methods of removing unwanted insects, sometimes only chemicals or professional help will do, so it’s important that you determine which is best for you and your home.
3. Wash bedding at a higher temperature than usual
If your flea infestation is mild, washing bedding in hot, soapy water might be enough to get rid of fleas inside the house.
Use the hottest water you can tolerate for bedding, clothing, and fabric that may have been exposed to fleas. You can use your regular laundry detergent and tumble dry on high heat to kill any remaining eggs and larvae. Don’t forget to do the same with your pet’s bed and blanket.
4. Use the heat of a steam cleaner
The number of items you can clean with a steamer might surprise you. While the appliance may be a favorite for cleaning floors, it can be a great solution for getting rid of fleas inside the house.
To preserve the life of your mattress and kill fleas, vacuum it first, then steam and allow the mattress to dry completely afterwards. The only caveat: Your steamer needs to be able to heat water to at least 212ºF (100ºC) for this task. Thanks to the combination of intense heat and soap, fleas will be eradicated with minimal effort. A steam cleaner can also lift dirt and remove odors from furniture.
(Image credit: Ian Shaw / Alamy Stock Photo)
5. Vacuum a lot
With the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair, you will find it much easier to clean up after your pets, especially when fleas are involved. Designed with features to capture hair, dirt, dander and more, look for a vacuum that’s powerful enough to keep your home flea-free. Pay close attention to hard-to-reach areas, and once you’re done vacuuming, remember to empty the filter or bag immediately.
What are fleas?
“The two that concern most people are fleas (which jump onto fur-bearing animals, suck blood for a while, then lay eggs, which fall into the environment) and ticks (which crawl on the animal, they stick their mouthparts to the skin, suck blood for two weeks, and then drop off to lay eggs in the environment.) Both are easily controlled,” explains veterinarian Neil McIntosh.
Fleas evolved from scorpion flies during the Jurassic period about 165 million years ago, making them one of the most enduring parasites. They have been sucking blood, first from feathered dinosaurs and then from mammals and birds, ever since. Although they rarely cause anemia, allergies to flea bites are common, as are secondary bacterial and yeast infections of the skin.’
