How to Remove Fleas From Your Carpet
Fleas can be a real nightmare if they choose to make a new home in your carpet. Hard to eradicate and incredibly troublesome, they bite and draw blood from larger animals in order to live. The bites can often become unbearable, and they're especially harmful to your pets, so make sure you follow this guide to take care of your infestation history as quickly as possible.
Contact a Professional Cleaner
Ultimately, the most effective way to get rid of fleas in your carpet is to have it steam cleaned by a professional. This is because steam cleaning will subject both the adults and their eggs to higher temperatures than they can stand, killing off the infestation once and for all. When you notice that your carpet has become infested with fleas, make sure you contact a professional and ask for the earliest possible appointment.
Vacuum Thoroughly, then Repeat
Calling a professional cleaning company should be at the top of your to-do list, but there's no harm in trying to reduce the number of fleas in your household before they arrive, especially if that won't be for a few days.
Start by vacuuming thoroughly. Vacuum in strips – as if you were mowing a lawn – to ensure that you cover the whole area. Make sure you don't miss the edges and corners of rooms, or underneath furniture. This won't be as effective as steam cleaning, but it could save you a few bites before a professional arrives.
Wash and Dry Bedding and Clothing
Fleas will mostly remain in the carpet; its dense fibres form a perfect habitat for them. However, they may also jump onto bedding or into clothes that have been left relatively close to the ground. Wash everything in the machine, then make sure you use the drying cycle for at least 30 minutes – it's the latter that will kill the eggs. Chuck in any pet bedding at the same time.
Take Care of Your Pets
Fleas commonly enter the home on a host animal, so cats and dogs are naturally the most likely culprits. Give your pet a bath using a specialized shampoo, then treat them with a flea-preventative medicine. Any flea that jumps on them after this has been done will die.
DEET Your Ankles
Fleas prefer preying on cats and dogs because their fur is easier to make a home in. However, they're perfectly happy biting humans, and you'll soon find your feet and ankles covered in bites if you don't remedy the situation soon. While taking the steps above, try applying a mosquito spray containing DEET to your socks and the cuffs of your pants. That should stop you becoming dinner for your new guests.
A flea infestation can be terrible, but it becomes rapidly worse if left untreated thanks to the speed at which new eggs are laid and hatched. If you notice a problem, act fast by taking the steps above.
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