What does a flea infestation look like in a house?

Flea infestations in homes can be a nuisance and difficult to get rid of. Here are some signs that may indicate your house has a flea problem and tips on inspecting your home further.

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Signs of Fleas in the House

Some common signs that fleas may be present in your home include:

Flea bites on pets or humans – Small, red, itchy bumps may indicate flea bites. Fleas tend to bite around the ankles and legs of humans.
Flea dirt – Small dark specks that look like ground pepper. This is actually flea feces which contains digested blood. You may see it on furniture or pet bedding.
Fleas jumping on floors and furniture – You may actually see the small wingless insects jumping around.

Pets seems itchy and overgrooming – Pets with fleas will excessively scratch, lick and bite at their skin.
Pets are restless – The itchiness makes pets constantly uncomfortable.

If you suspect fleas, inspect your home further to determine how widespread the infestation may be. Look in areas where pets frequent such as sofas, pet beds, carpets and rugs.

Inspecting for Fleas

To confirm if fleas are present, you’ll need to thoroughly inspect your home. Some tips include:

Use a flea comb – Brush your pet’s coat over a white surface or bowl of water to see if any fleas or flea dirt appear.
Check for flea dirt – Part the fur and look for small dark specks around the skin on pets. Brush pets outdoors to inspect for flea dirt more easily.

Inspect bedding – Check pet beds, pillows, furniture cushions, carpets, rugs and blankets for signs of fleas or flea dirt.
Set flea traps – Place sticky traps or night lights designed to attract fleas in areas pets frequent.
Monitor for several days – Continue trapping and inspecting over several days to determine how large the infestation is.

Finding fleas or flea dirt confirms there is an infestation. The more evidence you find and the longer it persists likely indicates a more severe issue.

Where Fleas Hide

Fleas prefer warm, dark and humid spots. Some areas to be thorough in checking include:

Pet sleeping areas – Bedding, cushioned furniture, pillows, etc.

Carpets and rugs – Especially in trafficked areas and underneath.
Cracks in hardwood floors
Baseboards and gaps between floorboards

Under furniture – Couches, chairs, beds, etc.
Laundry rooms
Closets

Bathrooms – Fleas thrive in damp conditions.
Unused rooms – Guest rooms, basement, attic if pets have access.
Outside – Fleas can live in bushes, tall grass, vegetable gardens, etc. and be carried indoors.

Be very thorough in your inspection. The better idea you have of how widespread the infestation is, the better you can target problem areas when treating.

Signs of Infestation Severity

Some signs that may indicate a more severe flea infestation include:

Bites over a long period – Persisting bites on humans and pets over weeks/months.

High quantities of fleas – Catching 10+ fleas per trap per day.
Fleas present even after treatment – Fleas continuing to be seen after initial home treatments.
Anemia in pets – Significant flea infestations can lead to anemia in pets.

Severe infestations often warrant professional pest control assistance. But in most cases, with diligence and proper home treatment, flea problems can be successfully managed.

Treating a Flea Infestation

Once an infestation is confirmed, treatment efforts should focus on both pets and the home environment:

Treat pets – Use flea prevention products recommended by your vet such as spot-on monthly treatments and flea collars. Treat all pets in the household.

Clean bedding – Wash all pet bedding in hot soapy water. Vacuum any areas pets frequent.
Use flea sprays/powders – Treat carpets, rugs, floors and furniture in infested rooms according to product instructions. Focus on cracks and crevices.
Try insect growth regulators – These stop flea eggs and larvae from developing but don’t kill adults. They can help control infestations.

Hire an exterminator – For severe infestations, professional pest control may be needed. They have access to stronger products and can treat the entire home.

Consistency is key. It can take weeks or months to fully clear an infestation. Preventative flea treatments on pets should continue even after fleas are gone to discourage re-infestation.

Natural Flea Treatments

There are also some natural options to try in conjunction with other treatments:

Diatomaceous earth – Natural powder that dries out fleas. Use around baseboards, carpets and pet bedding.
Salt – Sprinkle salt on carpets and furniture, let sit for a few hours then vacuum up.
Essential oils – Lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint and tea tree oils have flea-repelling properties.

Natural sprays – Make homemade sprays using water mixed with lavender, citrus or rosemary oils.
Maintain yard – Keep grass trimmed and bushes cleared to reduce Flea habitats outside.

Always read up on proper usage instructions when using natural remedies to make sure they are used safely and effectively.

Preventing Flea Infestations

Some tips to help avoid fleas from ever becoming an issue:

Use flea prevention – Treat pets year-round with vet recommended flea collars, spot-on treatments or oral medications.
Clean bedding weekly – Wash any bedding in hot soapy water to kill eggs and larvae.

Vacuum frequently – Go over carpets, floors, furniture and crevices weekly.
Maintain yard – Keep the lawn mowed and bushes trimmed to avoid overgrown areas.
Monitor pets – Check for signs of fleas regularly through brushing and inspections. Catch any potential problems early.

Treat quickly – If fleas are spotted, implement treatment right away before the infestation can grow.
Treat new pets – Give flea baths and treatments before introducing new pets to the home.

Routine care and monitoring is the best way to prevent fleas from ever becoming an issue. But even with the most diligent efforts, fleas may still occasionally slip through.

When to Call a Professional Exterminator

In most cases, flea infestations can be managed without professional help. But in some situations, it may be wise to call an exterminator:

You are unable to identify the source – If you cannot find where the fleas are coming from after thorough inspection.
Infestation persists after treatment – Fleas continue to be spotted after diligent at-home efforts.

Pets have severe reactions – Pets have excessive scratching leading to skin damage.
You rent/have landlords – Rental agreements may require hiring a certified exterminator for pest issues.
Elderly/health issues – Physically unable to properly treat the home yourself.

Time constraints – Your schedule doesn’t allow the hours of treatment time needed.
Squeamish about pests – You are uncomfortable handling the messy process of spraying, washing, etc.

Exterminators have access to powerful pesticides and insect growth regulators not available to consumers. They can thoroughly treat problem areas and offer residual flea treatments and follow-up inspections/treatments.

Cost of Exterminators

The cost to hire a professional pest control company to treat a flea infestation generally ranges from $200-$400. Here are some factors that influence the cost:

Size of home – Larger homes require more labor, time and products to treat properly.
Severity of infestation – More severe infestations take longer to fully treat.

Type of treatment – More intensive heat treatments or fumigation can cost more.
Additional services – Extra follow-up visits or residual yard treatments add cost.
Location – Pest control prices are higher in some regions.

Products used – Brand name or green products are typically more expensive.

Get an estimate beforehand and compare costs from a few pest control companies before selecting one.

Flea Infestation FAQs

How long does a flea infestation last?

Without treatment, flea infestations can persist for months. Female fleas can lay up to 50 eggs per day and eggs can survive for weeks before hatching. Staying on top of treatment efforts for 4-8 weeks is usually needed to fully clear an infestation.

What diseases can fleas transmit?

Fleas can transmit a few diseases. Most notably, they can spread the bacteria that causes plague in rodents to humans by biting them. They can also transmit myxomatosis to rabbits and feline infectious anemia to cats.

How do I choose a flea treatment for my pet?

Consult your veterinarian for the best flea prevention products for your specific pet. Things to consider are the pet’s age, weight, breed, other medications and potential reactions. Oral and topical monthly treatments are most effective for dogs and cats.

Can I use bug bombs to treat fleas?

Flea bombs or foggers are not typically recommended. They may kill some adults but not treat the environment where eggs and larvae live. Spot treatments and thorough cleaning are better options.

How do I get rid of fleas in my yard?

Use sprays or granules designed for outdoor flea treatment in grass, bushes, flower beds and under decks where pets spend time. Also maintain your landscaping to reduce flea habitats.

Key Takeaways

Look for flea bites, flea dirt, debris on furniture and excessive pet scratching as signs of fleas.
Inspect areas where pets spend time such as bedding, carpets and furniture cracks.

Wash all bedding, vacuum thoroughly and use sprays and powders on carpets, floors and furniture to treat.
Treat pets with vet recommended monthly spot-on and oral flea medications.
Continue diligent treatment indoors and on pets for 4-8 weeks to clear an infestation.

Call a professional exterminator if at-home treatment fails or the infestation is severe.