How to Get Rid of Fleas From Previous Owners

Fleas are small parasites that usually find their way into a home through a dog, cat or other pet. These parasites need living, warm-blooded creatures to survive and the confines of a home can be very comfortable for them. They are likely to inhabit carpet, linens and other soft, warm places that pets and humans come in contact with. When an infestation occurs, it's not enough to rid yourselves and your pets of fleas -- you need to eliminate the fleas from your house as well to completely rid yourself of the parasites.

Things You'll Need

  • Vacuum
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Instructions

    • 1

      Thoroughly vacuum all carpets and furniture, then immediately dump the vacuum's contents into an outdoor garbage or dumpster. Even after you've sucked up the fleas and eggs, the eggs can still hatch and re-infest your carpet and furniture. Severe infestations may be better treated by steaming the carpets instead of, or in addition to, vacuuming.

    • 2

      Treat your carpet with borate carpet treatment or other treatments containing insecticide. These usually come in a liquid spray or powder form. Apply a thin layer on the carpet and allow it to kill the fleas. Some kill on contact, while others destroy fleas upon ingestion. Check the instruction label of the product to make sure you apply it correctly and safely. Some are not recommended for use in homes with infants.

    • 3

      Place light traps in locations where your pets often sit or sleep -- these locations are more likely to have flea eggs producing new larvae. Light traps work by tricking fleas into thinking that the body of an animal is passing overhead. When the fleas jump, they get trapped in the holder and die. This won't rid your pets of fleas and won't eliminate fleas on its own, but light traps can help keep flea numbers low after a home treatment.