How to Get Rid of Fleas & Their Eggs

When your pet has fleas, you may think that a flea collar or a flea bath is the solution to your problem; however only 5 percent of the fleas in your home and yard are actually on your pet. The other 95 percent are breeding in your home or in areas your pet frequents. That means that for every 20 fleas you find on your pet, there are 380 fleas lurking in your carpet, under the couch or in other areas where you cannot see them. Ridding your home of fleas requires treating your pets and your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Vacuum cleaner/crevice tool Insecticide with IGR Top spot flea control for pets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Vacuum the carpets thoroughly. Use the crevice tool to get into the corners and to vacuum all cracks. Move furniture to vacuum the carpet in hidden areas. Pay close attention to areas where your pet sleeps. If he is allowed on the couch or in chairs these must be vacuumed as well. Remove the vacuum bag or empty the canister in the trash and store away from the home.

    • 2

      Spray carpets, floors and pet bedding with an insecticide that contains Insect growth regulator (IGR). This prevents fleas from maturing and reproducing. It is effective on eggs and larvae. For severe cases, you may need to purchase a flea bomb that you can release from the center of the room. Follow the directions on the container and take the recommended precautions to protect children and pets. Generally, you will need to leave the home for several hours while the flea bomb works to kill fleas.

    • 3

      Spray outside areas where you pet sleeps or plays to eliminate fleas. You can purchase outdoor flea spray, but the same spray you used on your carpets will work.

    • 4

      Treat your pets with a top spot product designed to be applied between the shoulder blades. These are more expensive than flea collars or flea baths but are more effective in controlling fleas. Follow the direction on the box.

    • 5

      Repeat the process if fleas return. Generally, you will see a drastic reduction in fleas for about three weeks when those that were not killed in the first application may hatch. A second treatment is usually all it takes to control fleas.