Fleas in your house? Not fun. These tiny parasites are relentless, multiplying fast and leaving behind itchy, irritating bites. Whether you’re trying to get rid of fleas in your home, tackling a full-blown flea infestation, or just dealing with a few strays, you need a plan that actually works.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about how to get rid of fleas and how the experts here at Sentinel Pest Control can help!

Identifying the Different Types of Fleas

Fleas are tiny, wingless parasites that thrive by feeding on the blood of animals and sometimes humans. They’re tough, relentless, and incredibly sneaky. With over 2,500 species of fleas worldwide, it’s no wonder these pests cause so many problems. Here are the most common types you’ll deal with:

Cat Fleas (Ctenocephalides felis)

  • The most common type of flea
  • Transmits flea-born typhus
  • Found on dogs as well as cats
  • Can carry plague bacteria

Dog Fleas (Ctenocephalides canis)

  • Generally specific to dogs (as opposed to cat fleas, which affect both cats and dogs)
  • Spreads tapeworm to dogs, cats, and occasionally humans
  • Much less common than cat fleas, but you can only tell the difference under a microscope

Bird Fleas (Ceratophyllus gallinae)

  • Also known as Chicken Fleas
  • Most prevalent where birds and their dens are established
  • Bird fleas always face the light and when a shadow is cast, they jump to find a new host

Signs of a Flea Infestation

Wondering if you’ve got a flea infestation in your house? These pests are tiny but leave behind some pretty obvious signs once you know what to look for. Here’s how to tell if you’re dealing with these crafty critters: 

 

  • Fleas jumping around your carpets or furniture: Spotting tiny insects hopping across your floor or couch? That’s a clear sign of a flea infestation in your home.
  • Black specks on pets or their bedding: Flea dirt, or flea feces, looks like tiny black dots scattered on your pets, their bedding, or spots where they like to hang out. It’s basically digested blood, so if you press it with a damp paper towel, it’ll smear reddish-brown.
  • Constant itching, scratching, or biting: Pets relentlessly scratching or biting themselves is a red flag. Fleas irritate their skin, making them miserable.
  • Red, itchy bites on skin: Pets relentlessly itching or chewing at themselves? Fleas are probably to blame. They can irritate your pet’s skin, causing serious discomfort.
  • Hair loss in pets: Excessive scratching or biting can cause bald patches, particularly around their neck, belly, and tail.
  • Pale gums in pets: Heavy infestations can cause anemia in pets, which leads to pale gums, a serious red flag that needs attention
  • The White Sock Test: Slip on a pair of white socks and walk across your carpets. If you see dark fleas hopping onto your socks, you’ve got a problem.

Seeing even a couple of these signs? It’s time to get serious about flea control before things spiral out of control. Keep reading, and we’ll how you how to get rid of fleas in your home for good! 

What You Can Do About a Flea Infestation

Dealing with a flea infestation in your house can feel like an endless battle, but with the right approach, you can take control and kick those pests out for good. Here’s how to get rid of fleas in your home effectively:

Vacuum Like Your Life Depends on It

Vacuuming is your number one weapon against fleas. Studies show that up to 96% of fleas across all four stages (eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults) are killed after vacuuming. Fleas thrive in carpets, upholstery, and pet bedding, so be thorough:

 

  • Hit all carpeted areas, rugs, and floors.
  • Vacuum furniture, especially between cushions and seams.
  • Don’t forget your pet’s bedding and favorite lounging spots.

 

Here’s the trick: Empty your vacuum immediately into a sealed bag and toss it outside. Otherwise, you risk the fleas crawling right back out and infesting your home all over again.

DIY Flea Remedies to Try

While vacuuming is a must, adding extra layers of defense can help boost your efforts. Here are some popular DIY options for flea control:

  • Diatomaceous Earth, Baking Soda, and Salt: Sprinkle this mixture over carpets and pet areas. It works by dehydrating fleas and their larvae. Leave it on for several hours before vacuuming.
  • Herbal Flea Spray: Combine the following ingredients for a natural flea spray:
    • 4 liters of vinegar
    • 2 liters of water
    • 500 mL lemon juice
    • 250 mL of witch hazel
    • Mix well and spray on floors, furniture, pet bedding, and other areas where fleas may be lurking.

These DIY methods can help reduce fleas, but they’re not a complete solution. Fleas breed fast and hide in places you can’t reach. So, while these tips may slow them down, they won’t necessarily eliminate an entire flea infestation in your house.

When DIY Isn’t Enough, Call in the Pros

If you’ve tried everything and fleas are still jumping around your home, it’s time to bring in the experts. Flea infestations can spread quickly and get out of hand before you even realize what’s happening. Professional pest control services have access to treatments and tools that DIY methods just can’t match.

Whether you’re battling cat fleas, bird fleas, or a full-blown flea infestation, Sentinel Pest Control can help you take your home back. Contact us today!