After successfully treating your pet for fleas, it’s important to realise that your home may still harbour these pests. Fleas, their eggs, and larvae can remain hidden long after they’re removed from your furry friend. Whether it’s your cat, dog, or even an outdoor rabbit, fleas can easily spread throughout your home. Thorough cleaning is essential to prevent another infestation.
Here’s a complete guide on how to clean your house post-flea infestation to keep those critters from returning.
Why Post-Infestation Cleaning Is Essential
Thoroughly cleaning your home after a flea infestation is vital because fleas don’t just live on your pets, they also lay eggs around your house. Flea eggs, larvae, and pupae can be found in carpets, bedding, furniture, and even the small cracks in your flooring. Failing to eradicate these hidden pests will allow the flea cycle to continue, potentially reinfesting your pet and home.
Simply treating your furry companion will not be enough; the real challenge lies in getting rid of the thousands of eggs and larvae hiding in your home. By cleaning thoroughly, you not only eliminate these pests at all life stages but also minimise the chances of re-infestation. This will protect both your pets and family from discomfort and potential health issues like skin irritation and diseases.
Areas to Prioritize
- Carpets and Rugs
- Furniture and Upholstery
- Pet Bedding and Toys
- Hard Floors
- Curtains and Drapes
Understanding the Flea Life Cycle
To stop a flea infestation, you need to understand their lifecycle. Fleas go through four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The eggs are laid on your pet but soon fall into your carpets, bedding, and furniture. These eggs hatch into larvae, which later spin cocoons and become pupae. Pupae can remain dormant for weeks and are resistant to many treatments. Once they hatch, they quickly find a host and begin the cycle again.
By cleaning your home thoroughly, you can interrupt this lifecycle and prevent a reinfestation.
Steps to Clean Your Home After a Flea Infestation
1. Vacuum Every Inch of Your Home
One of the most effective ways to combat fleas in your house is through frequent and thorough vacuuming. Use a vacuum with strong suction and a HEPA filter to remove fleas, eggs, and larvae from your carpets, furniture, and pet areas. Be sure to vacuum under furniture, in corners, and in areas where your pets spend a lot of time. It’s important to vacuum daily during the infestation and at least twice a week afterward.
If your carpets are thick, a vacuum with a beater bar can help loosen embedded eggs and larvae. After each vacuuming session, be sure to empty the canister or dispose of the vacuum bag immediately to prevent fleas from escaping.
2. Wash Bedding and Soft Fabrics
Fleas love to hide in soft, warm places. To remove them from these spots, wash all bedding, including pet beds, cushion covers, throw blankets, and other fabrics your pets may have used. Use hot water and a strong detergent to kill fleas at every stage of their lifecycle.
For items that cannot be washed, such as large area rugs or upholstered furniture, a steam cleaner can be effective in killing fleas and their eggs through high heat.
3. Use Flea Sprays Around the House
Using a flea spray specifically designed for home use can help tackle areas you can’t easily reach with a vacuum or wash. Choose a spray that kills adult fleas and prevents the development of eggs and larvae. Be sure to apply the spray on carpets, rugs, upholstery, pet bedding, and any crevices where fleas might be hiding.
Make sure pets are kept out of treated areas until the spray has dried to avoid any adverse reactions.
4. Clean Hard Floors and Surfaces
Fleas can also hide on hard surfaces, so don’t forget to sweep, vacuum, and mop floors throughout your home. Pay close attention to baseboards, under furniture, and any cracks or crevices where fleas might have laid eggs. Steam cleaning can be particularly effective for killing fleas on hard floors. For added protection, wipe down surfaces such as window sills, skirting boards, and countertops.
5. Disinfect Pet Toys and Accessories
Your pet’s toys, blankets, and other accessories can be a hotbed for fleas. Wash washable toys, blankets, and other soft items in hot water to kill fleas, larvae, and eggs. For hard plastic or rubber toys, soak them in hot water to eliminate any fleas or eggs. Regularly cleaning these items is key to keeping the flea population in check.
When to Consider Professional Pest Control
If you’ve followed all of the above steps but are still seeing signs of fleas, it may be time to call in professional pest control. Experts have access to more potent treatments that can fully eliminate fleas from your home, especially in cases of severe infestation.
After putting in the work to get rid of fleas, ongoing maintenance is important to keep them from coming back. Regularly wash your pet’s bedding, blankets, and toys using hot water and a pet-safe detergent. Keep your garden well-trimmed and free of overgrown areas where fleas could thrive. It’s also important to keep your pets on regular flea prevention treatments, such as oral medications or flea collars, to prevent new fleas from entering your home.
By diligently following these steps, you’ll create a clean, flea-free home for your pets and family to enjoy.