How to Exterminate Fleas

Fleas are parasitic insects from the Insecta class that live and feed on humans, dogs, cats, rats and opossums. During a flea's life span it can produce 400 to 500 offspring that each live as long as 100 days, according to the Oklahoma State University Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources website. Fleas cause allergic reactions in both pets and humans while also serving as transmitters for bacterial diseases. Preventing flea infestations requires that you simultaneously exterminate fleas from your home and pets while treating their environment.

Things You'll Need

  • Insecticide
  • Vacuum
  • Flea shampoo
  • Flea spray
  • Flea comb
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Instructions

  1. Treat Fleas' Environment

    • 1

      Remove flea larvae from moist, shady environments. Larvae and pupa grow within flower beds and underneath decks and porches of your home. Treating these areas with insecticide will prevent fleas from reaching adulthood. Treating where fleas thrive is critical in ridding your home of these pests.

    • 2

      Remove flea larvae from pet homes. Dog kennels and litter boxes provide optimal environments for fleas; cleaning these environments will prevent pets from being infected.

    • 3

      Rake and mow grass and treat the yard. Grass provides shady, moist environments for fleas to grow; cutting the grass exposes flea eggs to sunlight and insecticide necessary for exterminating fleas.

    • 4

      Vacuum and clean carpets, bedding, and furniture cushioning. These thick cloth environments protect fleas, allowing them to grow and attach to hosts. Properly cleaning and treating your home with insecticide prevents flea infestations from reoccurring.

    Treat your pets

    • 5

      Bathe your pets. Flea shampoos are effective against fleas--especially shampoos containing insect growth regulators that interrupt the flea's life cycle.

    • 6

      Check and comb your pets for fleas. Flea dirt,--defecated digested blood--appears on your pets when fleas are present. Flea combs will remove unwanted fleas from pets that a flea bath may have missed.

    • 7

      Clean pet products. Pet accessories, such as leashes and toys, can contain flea larvae and should be cleaned. Neglecting these items can spark another infestation.