How To Get Rid Of Fleas In House Pets

How To Get Rid Of Fleas In House Pets

Owning a pet comes with a lot of great rewards, but one responsibility that pet owners have is ensuring their furry friend's health. This includes taking steps to get rid of fleas in the house.

Fleas can cause your pet discomfort as well as spread illnesses, so it's important to take action if you see them. There are many ways to get rid of fleas, some of which are more effective than others. Keep reading for tips on getting rid of these pesky critters!

Do Fleas Bite People?

One of the questions we get asked most frequently is whether or not fleas bite people. The answer is yes! Fleas are not picky about their meals and will happily bite humans. Flea bites can be quite itchy and uncomfortable. If you have a flea bite, you may notice a small, red bump on your skin that is extremely itchy. Flea bites are often mistaken for mosquito bites or other bug bites.

Flea Life Cycle

An image of a flea

According to the Centers for Disease Control. Fleas have a complex life cycle that is influenced by many factors. Fleas thrive in warm climates and usually (but not always) perish during the winter season. Flea eggs are tiny and difficult to detect; however, if you look closely, you may notice them. They're smooth and white or pale in color.

A single female flea can produce up to 2,000 eggs throughout her life. These eggs might be deposited in your pet's fur, deep in the carpeting, or on tall grass. Fleas will develop from egg to adult in 2 to 3 weeks under favorable circumstances. And adult fleas can survive for up to 100 days.

Fleas hatch within a day and begin to suck blood 10 seconds after settling on a host. Flea larvae may remain dormant for months if the weather isn't ideal and there isn't a host to feed on, waiting for better circumstances to arise. This is one of the major reasons why preventing infestations is so difficult.

Signs That Your Pet Has Fleas

A dog scratching itself

Most times, you'll be able to tell if your pet has fleas by looking closely at their fur. If you see small, dark specks on their skin or in their fur, those are likely flea droppings. You may also notice your pet scratching or licking themselves more than usual. This is because the bites can be very itchy and uncomfortable.

Another sign that your pet has fleas is if you start seeing fleas in your home. These insects will jump from pet to pet, but they will also bite humans if given the chance. If you see a flea in your home, there's a good chance that your pets have them as well.

If you're unsure whether or not your pet has fleas, take them to the vet for a check-up. Your vet can help you confirm if your pet has fleas and recommend treatment options.

How To Get Rid Of Fleas In House Pets

A woman bathing her dog

Below, we will discuss some of the most effective methods for getting rid of fleas in house pets.

1. Kill Fleas With A Topical Prescription

The US Food and Drug Administration recommends that you pay close attention to the appropriate formula and follow the directions precisely when applying topical drugs.

Pet types, ages, and weights are used to determine topical dosages. Frontline or Revolution are topical solutions that kill both adults and young fleas. Most fleas will be killed within a few hours, but it might take days for a topical medication to have a full impact.

2. Give Your Pet A Bath

Bathing your pet with flea shampoo is one of the quickest ways to kill fleas on contact. When bathing your pet, make sure to use lukewarm water and work the flea shampoo into their fur thoroughly. Rinse off all the soap and dry your pet with a towel before letting them outside again. Dawn dish soap is an affordable option when it comes to washing animals with fleas.

3. Use A Flea Comb

A flea comb is a fine-toothed comb that can remove both adult fleas and their eggs from your pet's fur. To use a flea comb, start at the head of your pet and work your way down to the tail. Dip the comb in a bowl of soapy water after each stroke to kill the fleas. Be sure to comb your pet every day until you no longer find any fleas or eggs.

4. Wash Your Pet's Bedding And Clothing

Be sure to wash pet bedding, blankets, and towels in hot water frequently to prevent fleas from returning.

5. Use An Oral Prescription

Oral flea medications kill fleas quickly and are effective for several weeks. These drugs work by paralyzing an adult's fleas' nervous systems, causing them to die within hours. Oral medications can be given as a pill or chewable treat, and they're safe for both dogs and cats.

How To Get Rid Of Fleas In Your Home

Fleas in a pets hair

Your home can become infested with fleas if your pet brings them inside. These insects can quickly multiply and spread throughout your house, biting both people and pets. If you suspect that you have a flea infestation, there are several things you can do to get rid of them.

1. Vacuum Frequently

Vacuuming is one of the most effective ways to remove fleas from your home. Be sure to vacuum all carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture. Empty the vacuum bag after each use to prevent the fleas from escaping back into your home.

2. Employ A Steam Cleaner

Fleas can lay dozens of eggs each day, and this will grow into a major issue if you don't get rid of them. You can rent a steamer from a hardware store or engage the services of a professional steaming company. Steam any carpets or upholstery at least once a week in areas where any pets have access or where you detect flea dust. Try to steam carpeting or furniture at least once every week.

3. Use A Flea Spray

Flea sprays containing pyrethrin or permethrin can be used to kill fleas in your home. These products are available in aerosol sprays, powders, and bombs. Be sure to follow the directions on the package carefully to avoid harming yourself or your pets.

4. Set Up Some Flea Traps

Flea traps work by luring fleas into a sticky pad or chamber where they get stuck and eventually die. You can purchase commercial flea traps or make your own using a shallow dish, some soapy water, and a lightbulb. Place the dish near areas where you've seen fleas and turn off the lights in the room. The fleas will be attracted to the light and jump into the dish, where they will drown in the soapy water.

5. Call A Professional Exterminator

If you're unable to get rid of the fleas in your home, you may need to call a professional exterminator. These experts will have the knowledge and equipment to get rid of fleas quickly and effectively.

How To Get Rid Of Fleas In Your Yard

Flea on a person's skin

When pets go outside, they can pick up fleas from other animals or areas with a high flea population. When fleas come into your home, they can quickly multiply. To prevent this from happening, you'll need to get rid of any fleas in your yard.

1. Keep Your Lawn Short

Fleas prefer to live in long grass, so keeping your lawn short will help discourage them from taking up residence in your yard. Be sure to mow your lawn on a regular basis and trim back any bushes or trees that are touching the ground.

2. Remove Trash And Debris

Fleas thrive in cluttered areas, so removing any trash or debris from your yard will help discourage them from taking up residence. Ensure to keep your yard clean and free of any clutter.

3. Spread Cedar Chips

Cedar chips repel fleas, so spreading them around your yard can help keep these insects away. We recommend spreading a layer of cedar chips that is at least 3 inches deep.

4. Evict Wildlife

Fleas often hitch a ride into your yard on wild animals like rodents and birds. To prevent this from happening, you'll need to evict any wildlife that is living in your yard. Try removing any food or shelter that these animals are using.

Why You Need To Get Rid Of Fleas Quickly

Fleas can cause a number of problems for both people and pets. These insects bite, causing itching and irritation. In some cases, flea bites can lead to an allergic reaction. Fleas can also transmit diseases like typhus and tapeworms. So it's important to kill adult fleas quickly to prevent these problems from occurring.

Bottom Line

If you think you may have a flea infestation, it's important to take action quickly. These insects can cause a number of problems for both people and pets. There are a number of ways to get rid of fleas, including vacuuming, using a flea comb, washing bedding and clothing, and using an oral flea medication. If you're unable to get rid of the fleas on your own, you may need to call a professional exterminator.

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