When there are fleas in your home, you tend to notice them – whether they’ve affected you or your pet. These tiny pests can bite both humans and animals (though they more commonly take to animals) and once they do, the bite turns red and itches severely. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to remove fleas in your home.
What to Look For
There are several indications of a flea infestation and it’s important to thoroughly inspect your pet as well as areas where they frequently spend time. Look for:
- The fleas themselves
- Droppings (or “flea dirt”) on your pet
- Excessive scratching, licking, or biting
- Hair loss
- Red patches of skin
Where They Can Be Found
Fleas are one of the smallest pests, measuring 1-3 millimeters in length, which means they can hide virtually anywhere. However, since they feed on blood, they’re most commonly found on dogs and cats – mainly on their lower back, neck, and belly. They can also be found in your pet’s bedding or anywhere he/she sleeps.
How to Get Rid of Them
Because fleas can hide in a number of places in your home, start by vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping all of your floors and upholstery. Each time you vacuum, be sure to empty the vacuum bag into a plastic bag, seal it, and throw it in the trash right away. Next, wash your pet’s bedding in hot water and wash any toys that they may have.
Unfortunately, the fleas that you see are only a portion of the fleas present in your home. Flea eggs and larvae can hide in places like carpet fibers, furniture, and even in your pet’s bed. This means it’s incredibly important to thoroughly treat your home. Use flea carpet spray to treat your carpets and if the infestation is severe, you can look into using a fogger to fog your home. You can also take extra measures by treating the grass outside of your home.
Once you’ve treated your home, it’s important to treat it again in 3-4 weeks in order to make sure the infestation is gone for sure.
