How To Get Fleas Out Of Your Carpet

It’s important to manage a flea infestation before it can become a major health concern for you and your family. This is why regular carpet cleaning is important to deal with these bugs before they can get settled. However, if you’re concerned fleas may have already moved in, it’s important to deal with them as soon as possible.

Carpet Cleaning

Signs that there are fleas in your house

Before you start your war against fleas, it’s important to identify if they’re there. Look for the following signs:

  • Small bites, welts or bumps: When a flea bites you, you may initially feel a small sting and then notice a small, red itchy spot. It may appear as a welt or merely a bump. These bites typically tend to be in clusters on your feet and lower legs, but they can appear anywhere on your body.
  • Your pet is scratching themselves a lot: Fleas will bite your pet as well as you. Look to see if your pet is scratching themselves more than usual. They may also appear distressed as they scratch or even bite and lick themselves obsessively.
  • Your pet is losing hair: If your pet is scratching themselves too much, they may also start to lose hair. This tends to happen on their paws, back and at the base of their tail but it can be present elsewhere.
  • Your pet has white gums: If fleas are frequently feeding on your pet, they may develop anaemia (a lack of red blood cells). The easiest way to check is to see if their gums are reddish-pink or if they are closer to white. If it’s the latter, they are anaemic and should be taken to the vet immediately.
  • Dirt specks: While dirt is normal, if you see an increase in specks of it, this can be a sign of fleas. Check your furniture, carpet, bedding and anywhere your pet sleeps. White specks are eggs and black or brown specks are flea droppings.

If you notice any of these signs, it can be an indication that there are fleas in your house. You need to act quickly to stop their spread. Below is a guide for getting rid of fleas. If it’s a particularly bad infestation, you may need to do this cleaning routine a few times over a couple of weeks.

Vacuum all carpet

Clean all the carpet in your house, even if you don’t think there are fleas in a particular room. Pay attention to any carpet under furniture as fleas like dark places to hide. Also focus on anywhere your pet sits and sleeps.

If you’re having difficulty getting the fleas out of your carpet, you can also steam clean all your carpet. The high heat can kill the fleas quickly while also freshening up your carpet.

Vacuum upholstered furniture

Vacuum any fabric furniture, particularly the bases and undersides. Fleas will try and hide somewhere they won’t be disturbed.

As with the carpet, pay extra attention to anywhere your pet sleeps.

Throw away fleas

Once you’ve finished vacuuming, you should have hopefully sucked up all the fleas and their eggs. Empty your vacuum cleaner into a plastic bag. Tie or seal this bag and put it into a bin outside of your house. This way, no fleas will crawl out of your vacuum cleaner and return to your carpet.

Wash your hands after disposing of the fleas. You can also clean the inside of your vacuum with a lightly damp cloth to pick up any fleas that were left behind. If you’re particularly concerned about missing any, you can spray the inside of your vacuum with a commercial insect spray.

Wash bedding

Clean all the beds in your house, including your pet’s. Don’t forget to wash any blankets or throws you have around, particularly if they have been left on fabric furniture.

Wash all bedding and sheets on a high heat. If possible, also put them through the dryer. You may need to repeat this process a few times.

Stopping fleas coming back

Once you’ve gotten rid of the fleas, make sure they don’t come back by following these tips:

  • Regularly check your pet: If your pet goes outside, make sure no fleas have hitched a ride. Look for any signs of fleas like dirt specks or excessive scratching. You may be able to even spot the fleas – they tend to hide in armpits and groins where it’s dark and warm.
  • Treat your pet: Flea medications and collars are a great way to protect your pet from fleas. Make sure any flea treatments are kept up to date.
  • Grow plants: Fleas have been to known to be repelled by certain plants. Grow lavender, mint, catnip, sage, rosemary, lemongrass and chamomile around your house to discourage them. Many of these plants are also great to use in recipes to spice up your cooking. 

Getting rid of fleas can be a pain but you can’t let an infestation stay. Follow the above guide, and prioritise carpet cleaning and making sure the fleas don’t get a chance to resettle, and you won’t ever have to worry about fleas again.

If you’re having trouble getting the fleas to budge, you can also hire a professional carpet cleaning service to help fight them.

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