How to Get Rid of a Flea Infestation in Your Home: Your 4 step guide

Fleas are more than just a minor annoyance—they can cause significant discomfort for you and your pets. If you've noticed your furry friends scratching more than usual or spotted tiny insects hopping around, it's time to take action. Here's a 4 step guide to help you effectively eliminate a flea infestation from your home.

1. Treat All Pets with Prescription Products

The first and most crucial step in tackling a flea infestation is to treat all the cats and dogs in your household. Fleas are excellent hitchhikers and can quickly move from one host to another. Leaving even one pet untreated can undermine your efforts to eradicate these pests.

• Visit Your Veterinarian: Over-the-counter flea treatments might seem convenient, but they often lack the efficacy of prescription products. Your veterinarian can recommend the most effective and safe treatments tailored to your pets' specific needs.

• Consistent Application: Follow the vet's instructions carefully regarding application frequency and dosage. Some treatments require monthly applications, while others might have different schedules.

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2. Wash All Bedding at High Temperatures

Fleas and their eggs can hide in fabrics, making bedding a hotspot for infestation. Washing these items properly can kill fleas at all life stages.

• Use Hot Water: Wash all pet bedding, blankets, and any fabric items your pets frequently use in a hot wash cycle at 60 degrees Celsius. It is important to wash at 60 degrees Celcius as this temperature is effective in killing fleas, eggs, and larvae.

  
  

• Dry Thoroughly: After washing, if possible, dry the items in a high heat setting. The heat from the dryer adds an extra layer of protection against any remaining pests.

  
  

• Regular Cleaning: Make it a habit to wash pet bedding regularly (weekly/monthly) to prevent future infestations. This is an important consideration of mine when buying bedding for my pets- how easily I can remove a cover or fit the bed into the washing machine.

3. Treat Non-Washable Items with Environmental Sprays

Not all items can go through the washing machine. For carpets, rugs, and furniture, you'll need a different approach. (Although I will just take this moment to let you know about a brand called Ruggable that makes rugs that can go in the washing machine! Perfect for dog owners)

Use a Trusted Environmental Spray: Products like Indorex by Virbac are specifically designed to tackle fleas in the home environment. They can kill fleas and inhibit the development of eggs and larvae. Indorex also has the benefit of preventing environmental reinfestation for up to 12 months after application to your home.

How to Use Indorex Spray:

• Preparation: Before spraying, vacuum your home thoroughly. This helps to remove some of the fleas and stimulates the remaining eggs to hatch, making the spray more effective.

• Preparation: Before use on furniture test a small patch out of sight to ensure the spray does not discolour your furniture, I have never known this to happen but am aware the company recommend this.

• Preparation: Close windows and doors, and remove all pets including birds, insects, reptiles and spiders. Remove or cover any fish tanks and head to the Indorex website to read how to safely use Indorex around your fish tank.  

• Application: Spray Indorex on carpets, rugs, skirting boards, and any areas your pets frequent. Always follow the instructions on the label for safe and effective use and you can watch a video on the application here.

• Safety Precaution: Keep pets and children out of the treated areas until the spray has dried completely which takes around 30 minutes.

• Ventilate: After 30 minutes you can open windows and doors to ventilate each room.

• Vacuum Regularly: After spraying, vacuum every day for the next seven consecutive days. This routine helps to activate the spray's properties and removes flea pupae as they emerge. Dispose of your hoover contents in an external bin.

4. Consider Tapeworm Treatment for Your Pets

Fleas are more than just a nuisance—they can also be carriers of tapeworms. When pets ingest fleas during grooming, they can become infected with tapeworms.

• Administer Tapeworm Medication: Consult your veterinarian about providing tapeworm treatment for your pets alongside flea treatment.

Final Thoughts

Eliminating a flea infestation requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both your pets and your home environment. By treating all animals with prescription products, thoroughly cleaning bedding, using effective environmental sprays, and considering tapeworm treatments, you can reclaim your home from these unwelcome guests.

Remember, persistence is key. Flea life cycles can be complex, and it might take a few weeks to see complete results. Stay diligent with cleaning and treatment schedules, and don't hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian for guidance.

Your pets will thank you for the extra effort, and you'll enjoy a comfortable, flea-free home once again.