Easy Ways to Get Rid of Fleas in the House

Isolate Any Furry Pets

• Fleas often attach themselves to cats and dogs, then drop eggs all over the house as the animal moves about. This means that your first order of business to get rid of fleas is to isolate your pet while the house gets taken care of. Because fleas often lay eggs in soft areas, putting the animal in an area with no rugs or cushions is a good idea for the time being, such as the basement or bathroom.

Do the Laundry

• Collect any pet beds, blankets and all of the bedsheets in the house and wash them in the washing machine with hot water and detergent. Run the wash cycle twice to ensure that the fleas are really gone. If the items can handle it, also put them through the dryer on high heat to ensure that no fleas or eggs could have survived.

Vacuum House Completely

• Take your time and vacuum the entire house or apartment thoroughly, including furniture. Make sure to spend extra time on rugs, couches, drapes and any other surface that is friendly to fleas. Immediately remove the vacuum bag or the vacuum's contents and dispose of it outside.

Steam Cleaning

• Use a steam cleaner or an insecticidal shampoo to clean carpets and surfaces like couches or armchairs. If you have pets or young children, make sure to read the labels to ensure that the product you use is safe.

Taking Care of Pets

• Now that the house is free of fleas, it's time to turn your attention to your pet. Give your pet a bath with warm water and a flea shampoo recommended by your vet. Then comb the animal's fur with a fine-tooth comb to ensure all fleas and eggs have been removed.

Bug Bombs

• For really persistent infestations, you may have no choice but to use a flea bug bomb. You can set one off on your own, or you can hire an exterminator to bomb the house. Always follow the directions carefully on a flea bomb and keep yourself and any other people and animals out of the house for the recommended time after using one.