How to Kill Fleas in a Home

Co-authored by Scott McCombe

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 Fact Checked

Fleas are small, agile insects that live by feeding on the blood of animals. Once fleas are in your home, they can survive in the carpet and on your pets. To kill off the fleas, use an insecticide and vacuum the carpet and upholstered furniture. Also be sure to thoroughly wash your pets. If you take a rigorous approach to ridding your home of fleas, you can completely eradicate the problem within 1 or 2 weeks.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Treating Your Home with Insecticide

Download Article

1
Mix botanical dust with a borate powder or boric acid. The easiest way to kill fleas is when they are at their most vulnerable: in the egg and larval stages of their development. This mixture will help prevent a full bloom of fleas.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Borates are minerals that are used widely as wood preservatives, detergents, and insecticides, acting as stomach poisons to fleas.
- An adult flea will live on average 2 to 3 months and as long as 100 days without blood from its host. Newly hatched larvae, on the other hand, must feed within 3 days or they’ll starve. So it's easiest by far to attack the larvae first.
2
Dust the carpet, the furniture, and the bed with the borate mix. If you have pets, you can also dust the dog or cat's bed. It's best to do this when you're leaving your house for a good while, say 24 hours. Arrange for your pets to be out of the house during this time, too. Let the mixture settle for a day. When you come back, vacuum the carpet, the furniture, and wash the sheets on both beds. Take care not to breathe in the botanical dust and borate mixture. Use a mask when applying the dust mixture in the home.
- Use the insecticide in well-ventilated areas and wear gloves. Repeated exposure to insecticides can be harmful to pet and human health.
- Because of the long flea life cycle, 2 or 3 insecticide treatments, spaced 3 weeks apart, are often needed to completely rid your home of a flea infestation.
Advertisement
3
Set several flea traps out in your home along with the borate mix. Flea traps work by producing light over the trap, which itself contains a flea-killing insecticide. Setting out traps will ensure that you kill any fleas that aren’t killed by the borate mix. Fleas are attracted to the heat and the brightness of the light, and fall into the trap, where they are killed by the poison.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If you have inquisitive pets who might try to open and eat the contents of the flea trap, set the in a place they cannot access. Or, place the flea traps in rooms that you can keep your pets out of.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Killing off Fleas without Insecticides

Download Article

1
Vacuum your house twice daily for 2 weeks. Vacuum over any flea-affected areas, including high-traffic areas where the pets usually roam. Be sure to move furniture and vacuum underneath it, and also vacuum rugs and out-of-the-way sections of carpet. Then, vacuum off any upholstered furniture as well. Most fleas will not be able to survive a good vacuum!^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Kevin Carrillo
Pest Control Specialist, MMPC

Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.}
- People often go for high-powered, super-suction vacuums, but the average vacuum should do the trick perfectly.^{[4]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  Consumer Reports
  Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing
  
  Go to source}
- Always discard the vacuum bag after you vacuum. This will help discourage re-infestation.
- Looking for other ways to get rid of fleas? Check out wikiHow’s “How do I get rid of fleas for good?” forum.
2
Fill shallow bowls with water and 2 drops of dish detergent. Pour the water and detergent mixture in a very shallow bowl, low enough to the ground so that the fleas could accidentally hop into it. Then, place the mixture next to a low-hanging light source, preferably a night-light. The fleas are attracted to the light. Approaching the light, many of them will fall into the mixture and die in the process.
- The water and dish detergent mixture is like a toxic swimming pool for fleas. When they jump into the mixture, they die.
- If you don’t have a shallow bowl, an old Frisbee does the job quite well.
3
Spray a lemon solution in affected areas. Thinly slice one whole lemon and drop it into a pint of water. Bring the water to a boil. Then, let the solution stand overnight for maximum potency. Pour into a spray bottle and spray onto affected areas.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- A slice of a different citrus fruit—e.g., orange, lime, or grapefruit—should work as well.
4
Set out cedar chips in flea-ridden areas. Place cedar chips in the corners of rooms, in the dog pen or bed, and under furniture. You can also place cedar chips in a cotton cloth between the cushions on your furniture, underneath your pillow and, if possible, in your bedding. This will ensure that your bed remains pest-free. Fleas hate the smell of cedar and will do almost anything to avoid it.^{[6]
X
Research source} Cedar chips are available in your local pet or home-supply store.
- Make sure your pet isn't allergic to cedar. Many dogs can be allergic to cedar. If your dog has an allergic reaction to the cedar—e.g., sneezing or swollen eyes—stop using the cedar chips.
5
Spread salt over the surface of your carpet. Salt is a desiccant, meaning it saps the moisture from things and dries them out. When a salt crystal attaches itself to a flea, it will cause chafing and scraping on the flea, essentially bleeding the flea to death as it walks. After 7–10 days, vacuum the salted area very thoroughly, making sure to pick up all the salt and flea carcasses from the carpet area. Repeat the salting process 1 or 2 more times.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Use very fine-grained salt for this. The finer the better; you want it to be small enough to attach to the flea.
- When you're done vacuuming, discard the old vacuum bag and replace it with a new one.
6
Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around your house. Much like salt, diatomaceous earth will kill fleas by chafing their bodies. Sprinkle a few spoonfuls over areas of carpet that are infested with fleas.^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source

United States Environmental Protection Agency
Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices

Go to source} You can also use diatomaceous earth preventatively by sprinkling some around the entrances to your home. Purchase diatomaceous earth at a feed store, a hardware store, or a home-supply store.
- You can put diatomaceous earth on your pets, as long as you keep it out of their eyes and ears. Sprinkle on your pet down the backbone and rub into the skin all over.
7
Spray floors and bedding with an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR). IGRs are a type of chemical insecticide which stop the fleas from developing. The larvae simply die off, rather than becoming adult fleas which will reproduce and make more fleas to infest your home. The IGR thereby breaks the reproduction cycle. This allows you to bring large infestations under control.^{[9]
X
Research source} Typically, the mixed IGR will need to be applied 2 times, each about 3 weeks apart.
- The most economical method is to buy a concentrate and mix according to the directions that come with the product. You can purchase IGRs at a local hardware store.
- IGRs are not poisonous to mammals. This makes IGRs a good option around a house that has kids or small animals such as hamsters, reptiles, or fish.
EXPERT TIP

Scott McCombe
Pest Control Specialist
Scott McCombe is the CEO of Summit Environmental Solutions (SES), a family-owned local pest solutions, animal control, and home insulation company based in Northern Virginia. Founded in 1991, SES has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded “Top Rated Professional,” and “Elite Service Award" by HomeAdvisor.

Scott McCombe
Pest Control Specialist

Our Expert Agrees: In some cases, you can apply a pesticide to your floors to help stop an infestation before it gets out of control. Look for a product labeled for indoor flea control containing a residual adulticide with a growth regulator (IGR

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Treating Your Pet for Fleas

Download Article

1
Wash your pet every day with flea soap and water. Washing your pet will kill the fleas that may be living on it.^{[10]
X
Research source} Prepare your pet for the bath by applying the flea soap near the pet’s ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and butt. When fleas feel water, they immediately look for safe places on the pet to hide out, such as around the neck, on the head, and near the anus. Do this before you get the pet wet.
- There may be a host of other fleas in various stages of their life cycle waiting to hop onto your pet, so be sure to use this method with other preventative measures, such as vacuuming, borate mixes, and cedar chips.
2
Work in the soap and let the solution stand for at least 10 minutes. After you've applied the soap to the pet’s vulnerable areas, get the pet wet and lather its whole body up. Once the 10 minutes have passed, wash all of the soap out of the pet’s fur with warm water.^{[11]
X
Trustworthy Source

American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Go to source} Then, once the pet is dry, comb out the dead fleas.
- Take a shower immediately after washing your pet because some flea shampoos can cause irritation when left on human skin for prolonged periods of time.
3
Use a flea product on your cat or dog. Flea products, such as Advantage or Frontline, are spot-treatments that are applied to pets monthly. Usually, these spot-treatments are dropped directly onto the skin of your pet, usually between the shoulder blades and at several spots down the spine. The treatment will then work its way through the skin (integumentary system).^{[12]
X
Research source} You can purchase pet-friendly flea products at your local pet store.
- You can use flea products in conjunction with a fine-toothed flea comb. Use a flea comb to pull off individual fleas from the pet's fur.
EXPERT TIP

Scott McCombe
Pest Control Specialist
Scott McCombe is the CEO of Summit Environmental Solutions (SES), a family-owned local pest solutions, animal control, and home insulation company based in Northern Virginia. Founded in 1991, SES has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded “Top Rated Professional,” and “Elite Service Award" by HomeAdvisor.

Scott McCombe
Pest Control Specialist

Our Expert Agrees: To prevent fleas from coming back, treat your pets for fleas regularly by using dips or systemic oral or dermal flea control products that are labeled for use on domestic pets.
4
Rotate types of treatments if the first is ineffective. This will prevent flea adaption to the treatments. You may find that some of the standard flea treatments are ineffective because the local flea population has adapted to a particular treatment (including the chemicals in flea collars). In this case, switch among other treatments and use an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as Nylar. For example, if a flea collar isn’t working, try scrubbing your pet with flea powder.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Your veterinarian will sell oral tablets that you can give your pet. These tablets attack the flea’s nervous system via the bloodstream and tissue of your dog or cat. While they kill all the fleas feeding on your pet, they do not prevent fleas.
- The use of an IGR will not allow propagation of succeeding generations and will prevent, in large measure, fleas adapting to the treatments.
5
Administer a flea tablet orally to rid your pet of a flea infestation quickly. Flea tablets are given orally and take effect within several hours. Flea tablets kill off all of the fleas on an animal within about 60 minutes. However, the tablets are not preventative and will not make your pet immune to becoming infested with fleas a second time. Once the tablet has killed off the fleas, wash the animal to rid it of the dying fleas if you see the animal scratching.
- Some cats may become hyperactive, vocalize more, or show panting when given flea tablets. If this happens, try cutting the recommended dose, but you may have to discontinue use of tablets with sensitive cats.
6
Add deterrents to the pet's meal. Since fleas feed on the blood of animals, you can treat fleas by manipulating what your pet eats. For example, mix vinegar into dogs' water. Mix a tablespoon of apple-cider vinegar into the dog's water bowl, or bathe the animal using water and vinegar.
- Don't try this with cats, as their pH is much more sensitive than dogs'.

How Do You Get Rid Of Fleas In The House?

Join the Discussion...

How do I get rid of fleas for good?

20

WikiPandaTamer982

I'm mortified to be here asking this but I'm desperate at this point: I have fleas in my house and I dont' know how to get rid of them. They seem... Read More

WikiDesertReader982

I assume you've done this already but if not, start with a DEEP clean, and of your entire house - not just the couch or anywhere the dog goes (bu... Read More

2

Chris Parker
Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control

I highly recommend taking your pet to the vet if you suspect fleas in the home. That's always the first step. The next step is to wash all of the... Read More

See all 14 Replies and

Read Discussion

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How long does it take to kill fleas in the house?

Kevin Carrillo
Pest Control Specialist, MMPC
Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News.

Kevin Carrillo

Pest Control Specialist, MMPC

Expert Answer

It depends on what you're doing to get rid of them. Fleas are pretty resilient and they tend to hide in areas where they're pretty hard to access. Try not to get frustrated if it takes a few weeks of cleaning to get rid of all of the fleas.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 12

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Avoid leaving salt in your rug for too long. Salt will absorb moisture and become distributed throughout the carpet fibers.

Thanks
Helpful 13 Not Helpful 1
When searching for fleas, you may also find something called "flea dirt." It's black and coarse, and if you put it on a moistened towel, it will turn red. Flea dirt is the blood that fleas expel as waste from their bodies. It's a good indication of where they've been.

Thanks
Helpful 12 Not Helpful 7
If your dog doesn't react well to standard flea soap, try soap that has eucalyptus, tea tree oil, or cedar oil in it. Fleas don't like the oils of these trees, so use them to your benefit.

Thanks
Helpful 7 Not Helpful 4

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Stay out of the house when you are bombing the infected areas. Also cover or relocate your pets to a safe area when bombing the house. Always read the label as some flea-bomb chemicals are harmful to small animals, fish, and birds.

Thanks
Helpful 8 Not Helpful 3
Flea bombs are a good first step to getting rid of fleas, but they aren’t going to solve the problem entirely. Don’t assume the fleas are gone after a few bug bombs.^{[14]
X
Expert Source

Kevin Carrillo
Pest Control Specialist, MMPC

Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0