How to Get Rid of Fleas in an Outside Building

Preventing flea infestation is best, but if you already have fleas in your outside building there are ways to get rid of them. Fleas have a life cycle that begins as an egg. They then go into a larval stage for a few weeks, after this stage they become an adult and feed on the blood of mammals. This can be dangerous to you and your pet because fleas can spread diseases and illnesses through their bites. You can get rid of fleas in your outside building with a few basic steps and prevent infestation from reoccurring.

Things You'll Need

  • Protective eye goggles
  • Gloves
  • Broom
  • Trash bag
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Flea traps
  • Flea spray pesticide
  • Flea shampoo specific to your pet's species and age
  • Towel
  • Spot on flea treatment such as Frontline, Revolution or Vectra
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Instructions

  1. Getting Rid of Fleas

    • 1

      Put on your protective eye goggles and gloves. Sweep the outside building to get rid of any debris in which fleas may be hiding. Put all debris into a trash bag and close it tightly before disposing of it.

    • 2

      Vacuum the outside building using a hose attachment to reach into corners, between wood planks and in other tight spaces where fleas may hide. Dispose of the vacuum cleaner's contents.

    • 3

      Place flea traps in all electricity outlets in your outside building. Spray a flea pesticide according to the directions on the bottle of the brand you have purchased. Get all surfaces wet with the spray, paying special attention to good hiding places such as closets and cabinets. Close the building's windows and doors and let the pesticide and flea traps stand overnight.

    Preventing Re-infestation

    • 4

      Gather up all of your pet grooming supplies in one place. Wash your pet with species- and age-specific flea shampoo. Pay special attention to places such as behind ears, under legs and the nape of the neck because fleas tend to nest in these areas. Allow the shampoo to stand on the pet according to the directions on your brand of shampoo. Rinse your pet well and towel dry him.

    • 5

      Take your pet to your veterinarian and ask which flea preventive is best for your pet. There are many flea control spot treatments on the market and not all are good for all pets. Ask about the risks and benefits of each brand of treatment.

    • 6

      Apply your prescribed flea treatment two days after the date of the bath and according to the directions on the package.