How to Kill Fleas in the House, Yard, & On Your Pets

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Pest control specialist Chris Parker explains how to get rid of fleas in your home and on your pets

Co-authored by Scott McCombe and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: March 3, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Killing Fleas In the Home
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• Treating Pets
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• Killing Fleas in Your Yard
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• Preventing Fleas
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• How Do You Get Rid Of Fleas In The House?
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• Video
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• Expert Q&A
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• Tips
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• Warnings

|Show more |Show less

Fleas are small, agile insects that live by feeding on the blood of animals. Once fleas are in your home, they can survive in the carpet and on your pets. Fleas may seem hard to get rid of at first, but it’s not impossible. Our wikiHow team interviewed pest control specialists to teach you all the best ways to kill fleas in your home, on your pet, and in your yard. Plus, we’ll explain how to prevent future infestations.

What kills fleas in a home?

Pest control specialist Chris Parker says that, to kill fleas in your home, first take your pet to the vet and get some flea medication. Then, wash all pet bedding in the washing machine. Vacuum your home twice a day for 2 weeks. Apply a commercial flea killer or sprinkle Borax or diatomaceous earth around your home.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

Getting Rid of Fleas in the House

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1. 1
   Wash or replace all pet bedding. Pest management expert Luke Lewis says to “use a washing machine to hot wash all bedding, rugs, and pet bedding, which are common areas where fleas breed.” This will help eliminate adult fleas, larvae, and eggs. If you have a severe infestation or your pet bedding isn’t washable, discard the old bedding and replace it with new bedding.

   • In addition to throwing out old bedding, discard old pet toys (particularly plush ones), as well. Be sure to seal them in a plastic bag so fleas can’t escape.
   • Parker adds that you should wash “everything you can” in hot water, not just pet bedding. This includes your own bedding, curtains, couch cushions, clothes, etc.
   • Note: Treating your home for fleas won’t work unless you’re also treating your pet. We’ll explain how to kill fleas on your pet below.

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Chris Parker is the founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, WA. He specializes in integrated pest management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal.

   Luke Lewis is a pest management expert and the founder and president of Native Pest Management. He specializes in pet-friendly and eco-friendly pest control.

   Scott McCombe is a pest control specialist and the CEO of Summit Environmental Solutions (SES), a family-owned pest solutions, animal control, and home insulation company in Northern Virginia.

   Kevin Carrillo is a pest control specialist and the senior project manager for MMPC, a pest control service based in the New York City area.

   Paragon Pest Control is a pest control company based in Grand Prairie, TX. The Paragon team has a background in entomology and uses customizable technology that suits the specific needs of their clients.
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   Vacuum all floors and furniture. “Flea eggs are activated by warmth and vibration,” explains Parker. “Vacuuming will often trigger a large hatching of the pupa, which can speed up any flea treatment process.” For the best results, vacuum your house twice daily for 2 weeks. Focus on high-traffic areas where your pets usually roam, and move furniture so you can vacuum underneath it. Vacuum rugs, out-of-the-way areas, and upholstered furniture.

   • People often go for high-powered, super-suction vacuums, but the average vacuum should do the trick perfectly.
   • Always discard the vacuum bag after you vacuum. This will help discourage re-infestation.
   • Pest control specialist Kevin Carrillo also recommends steam-cleaning your carpet if you have access to a steam cleaner. “Test your steamer in a specific area first and make sure it’s not going to cause any sort of discoloration, but steam cleaning will probably be the most effective non-professional method of removing fleas from a carpet.”
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3. 3
   Apply a commercial flea killer according to its instructions. If you’re not having any luck with just cleaning and vacuuming, using a commercial insecticide may be your best bet. There are lots of flea killers on the market, but Lewis says, “Aerosol sprays are recommended instead of foggers, [as they] allow you to direct sprays under beds, other furniture, and [in] cracks and crevices that foggers may be unable to reach.”

   • Flea bombs are also an option, but Parker doesn’t recommend them because they “cover every single surface in your house with a pesticide,” which could be harmful to you, your kids, and your pets.
   • If you want an alternative to a flea bomb, animal behaviorist Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhD, recommends a product called Knockout: “Knockout is similar, but it has a different active ingredient than a lot of classic bombs, so that you don’t have to leave your space. You use it at a very low concentration, and it effectively kills small bugs, including fleas and ticks.”
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   Kill larvae and eggs with Borax. Borax acts as a desiccant to dehydrate and kill flea larvae and eggs. Sprinkle it over areas where you notice a lot of flea activity, working it into the fibers of the carpet or fabric. Let it sit for 24-48 hours, then vacuum it up.

   • Warning: Do not apply Borax directly to pets. Keep pets and children away from treated areas, as it can cause irritation or illness if ingested.
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   Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around your house. Parker says that diatomaceous earth is an algae-based product that acts as a desiccant. “It essentially kills the fleas by cutting up their exoskeletons,” he explains. “You can put it on your upholstered furniture, you can put it on your bed skirt, you could put it anywhere… Keep diatomaceous earth down for two weeks [to wait out the flea life cycle].”

   • For the best results, sprinkle a few spoonfuls over areas of carpet that are infested with fleas.
   • Only use food-grade diatomaceous earth, as Parker says it’s organic and completely safe.
   • Parker adds that you may want to avoid this method if you have asthma “because it’s really dusty.”
   • Also, if you pets or small children in the house, you can use food-grade diatomaceous earth, but you should take extra precautions, like keeping them out of the area during application and avoiding using the product in high-traffic areas.
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   Capture fleas in shallow bowls of water and dish detergent. Fill shallow bowls with water and 2 drops of dish detergent to create a flea trap. Make sure the sides of the bowls aren’t too high so that the fleas can accidentally hop into them. Place the mixture next to a low-hanging light source, preferably a night light. Fleas are attracted to light, so they may fall into the bowl and become trapped and die.

   • If you don’t have a shallow bowl, an old Frisbee does the job quite well.
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   Spray a lemon solution in affected areas. The citrus in lemon can sometimes repel fleas. Make your own lemon flea spray by slicing up a lemon and boiling it in water. Let the solution stand overnight for maximum potency, then pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the affected areas.

   • A slice of a different citrus fruit—e.g., orange, lime, or grapefruit—should work as well.
   • Warning: Do not use this method if you have cats, as it is toxic to them.
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   Set out cedar chips in flea-ridden areas. Place cedar chips in the corners of rooms, in or near pet beds, and under furniture. You can also place cedar chips in a cotton cloth between the cushions on your furniture, underneath your pillow, and, if possible, in your bedding. This will ensure that your bed remains pest-free. Fleas hate the smell of cedar and will do almost anything to avoid it. Cedar chips are available in your local pet or home-supply store.

   • Make sure your pet isn't allergic to cedar. Many dogs can be allergic to cedar. If your dog has an allergic reaction to the cedar—e.g., sneezing or swollen eyes—stop using the cedar chips.
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   Spread salt over the surface of your carpet. Salt is a desiccant, meaning it saps the moisture from things and dries them out. When a salt crystal attaches itself to a flea, it will cause chafing and scraping on the flea, essentially bleeding the flea to death as it walks. After 7–10 days, vacuum the salted area very thoroughly, making sure to pick up all the salt and flea carcasses from the carpet area. Repeat the salting process 1 or 2 more times.

   • Use very fine-grained salt for this. The finer the better; you want it to be small enough to attach to the flea.
   • When you're done vacuuming, discard the old vacuum bag and replace it with a new one.
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    Spray floors and bedding with an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR). “In some cases, a floor surface application of a pesticide labeled for indoor flea control containing a residual adulticide with a growth regulator (IGR) can be very effective if performed before an infestation gets out of control,” explains pest control specialist Scott McCombe. IGRs are chemical insecticides that stop fleas from developing into adults and therefore break the reproduction cycle. Typically, the mixed IGR will need to be applied 2 times, each about 3 weeks apart.

    • The most economical method is to buy a concentrate and mix according to the directions that come with the product. You can purchase IGRs at a local hardware store.
    • IGRs are not poisonous to mammals. This makes IGRs a good option around a house that has kids or small animals such as hamsters, reptiles, or fish.
    • Looking for other ways to get rid of fleas? Check out wikiHow’s “How do I get rid of fleas for good?” forum.
11. 11
    Hire a pest control specialist. Fleas can be tricky to get rid of, so pest control company Paragon Pest Control says, “The best bet to get rid of them 100% is to call a professional because we have super targeted products.” If you’ve already tried getting rid of fleas on your own and they keep coming back, it may be time to call in a pro.
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Section 2 of 4:

Getting Rid of Fleas on Your Pet

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1. 1
   Take your pet to the vet to get flea medication. Parker says that fleas cannot survive without their host, so your first step should be “taking care of the animal by taking them to the vet and getting them on some flea medication.” Your vet will be able to prescribe the most effective medication to kill existing fleas and prevent more from hatching in the future.

   • Dr. Lioy-Ryan says that the prescription medication Revolution “is a fantastic product,” so ask your vet if it would be right for your pet.
2. 2
   Try an over-the-counter flea medication. While prescription medications are often most effective, plenty of over-the-counter medications can also kill fleas on your pet. Dr. Lioy-Ryan recommends Capstar: “This is an over-the-counter oral medication that kills most fleas (90% of adult fleas) within 6 hours. It’s extremely effective. It does not kill eggs or larvae, though.”

   • After applying a flea-killing medication, Dr. Lioy-Ryan adds that you need to follow up with a preventative treatment so more fleas don’t hatch in the future.
   • Some over-the-counter medications are topical, like Frontline or Advantage. These are typically applied monthly and are dropped directly onto your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades.
   • Be sure to follow the product’s instructions carefully so you apply it properly.
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   Wash your pet with flea shampoo and water. Flea shampoos kill fleas on contact by breaking down their exoskeleton. If your pet has an active infestation, bathe them daily. Apply the flea soap near their ears, around their neck, and over their entire body, paying special attention to the belly, tail base, and paws. Lather your pet well and let the soap soak in for at least 10 minutes. Then, wash it out with warm water.

   • If you have a dog, it’s usually okay to bathe them daily until the fleas are gone. If you have a cat, limit the baths to once every two weeks so you don’t dry out their skin.
   • The fleas will likely try to escape to your pet’s head, so create a ring of soap around their neck before wetting their body so this doesn’t happen.
   • There may be a host of other fleas in various stages of their life cycle waiting to hop onto your pet, so be sure to use this method with other preventative measures, such as vacuuming, borate mixes, and cedar chips.
   • Take a shower immediately after washing your pet because some flea shampoos can cause irritation when left on human skin for prolonged periods of time.
4. 4
   Brush your pet with a flea comb. This usually works best after a flea bath when the fleas are dead or subdued. Flea combs catch fleas in their teeth while allowing your pet’s fur to pass through. Fill a bowl with hot, soapy water and begin combing your pet. Pay careful attention to the neck, belly, and base of the tail. After each swipe, dip the comb into the soapy water to remove any fleas and flea dirt you picked up. Comb daily, if possible.
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   Rotate types of treatments if the first is ineffective. You may find that some of the standard flea treatments are ineffective because the local flea population has adapted to a particular treatment (including the chemicals in flea collars). In this case, switch among other treatments and use an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as Nylar. For example, if a flea collar isn’t working, try scrubbing your pet with flea powder.

   • Your veterinarian will sell oral tablets that you can give your pet. These tablets attack the flea’s nervous system via the bloodstream and tissue of your dog or cat. While they kill all the fleas feeding on your pet, they do not prevent fleas.
   • The use of an IGR will not allow propagation of succeeding generations and will prevent, in large measure, fleas from adapting to the treatments.
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   Add deterrents to the pet's meal. Since fleas feed on the blood of animals, you can treat fleas by manipulating what your pet eats. For example,using apple cider vinegar is a great flea deterrent method. Mix a tablespoon of apple-cider vinegar into the dog's water bowl, or bathe the animal using water and vinegar.

   • Don't try this with cats, as their pH is much more sensitive than dogs'.
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Section 3 of 4:

Getting Rid of Fleas in Your Yard

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1. 1
   Seal entryways to the home and put up fences to keep stray animals out. Even if you don’t have pets, fleas may get into your yard or home if stray or wild animals have access to the area. To discourage animals from the area, put up a fence around your property and seal any crawlspaces or openings in your home.

   • Keep your trash cans sealed so animals aren’t tempted to look for food. If you have outdoor pets, feed them somewhere other animals can’t access the food.
2. 2
   Spray your yard with an insecticide as a last resort. Insecticides can be harmful to your pets and beneficial insects, so only use them if your flea infestation is severe. If you do decide to use an insecticide, focus on dark, moist environments or areas your pets (or other animals) frequent. Consider spraying around the openings of your house, as well.

   • When possible, focus on treating your pet for fleas instead. Parker says, “Instead of blanketing your yard with any sort of chemical or pesticide or insecticide, make sure you take your [pet] to the vet and treat them regularly. That’s the best preventative for keeping [fleas] outside of your home.”
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Section 4 of 4:

How to Prevent Flea Infestations

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1. 1
   Give your pet preventative flea medication. Some flea medications actively kill fleas while others prevent future infestations. If your pet has a flea problem, talk to your vet about preventative medications so you don’t have to deal with trying to get rid of them again in the future.

   • Fleas are usually more active during the summer, but they can survive all year long. Treat your pet year-round to avoid future infestations.
2. 2
   Limit your pet’s time outdoors. If your pet goes outside, they will likely pick up fleas, so keep them inside as much as possible. When they do go outside, try to keep them away from moist, grassy areas where fleas may live. Avoid contact with stray or wild animals, as well. When your pet comes back inside, give them a thorough bath to wash away any insects they might have picked up.
3. 3
   Clean your house regularly. Clean your home the same way you would if you had an active flea infestation—wash all pet bedding and other fabrics regularly. When you vacuum, pay special attention to areas your pet frequents, and empty the vacuum bag outside when you’re finished.
4. 4
   Mow your lawn and keep it free from debris. Fleas live in moist, shady environments when they’re not feeding on a host, so keeping your yard clean can help prevent infestations. Rake your yard regularly and remove any debris, including weeds, sticks, and trash. Keeping your grass short will also give them fewer places to hide.
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How Do You Get Rid Of Fleas In The House?

Expert Q&A

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• Question

  How long does it take to kill fleas in the house?

  

  Kevin Carrillo
  Pest Control Specialist, MMPC

  Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News.

  

  Kevin Carrillo

  Pest Control Specialist, MMPC

  Expert Answer

  It depends on what you're doing to get rid of them. Fleas are pretty resilient and they tend to hide in areas where they're pretty hard to access. Try not to get frustrated if it takes a few weeks of cleaning to get rid of all of the fleas.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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Tips

• Avoid leaving salt in your rug for too long. Salt will absorb moisture and become distributed throughout the carpet fibers.
  Thanks

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• When searching for fleas, you may also find something called "flea dirt." It's black and coarse, and if you put it on a moistened towel, it will turn red. Flea dirt is the blood that fleas expel as waste from their bodies. It's a good indication of where they've been.
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• If your dog doesn't react well to standard flea soap, try soap that has eucalyptus, tea tree oil, or cedar oil in it. Fleas don't like the oils of these trees, so use them to your benefit.
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Warnings

• Stay out of the house when you are bombing the infected areas. Also cover or relocate your pets to a safe area when bombing the house. Always read the label, as some flea-bomb chemicals are harmful to small animals, fish, and birds.
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  Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Flea bombs are a good first step to getting rid of fleas, but they aren’t going to solve the problem entirely. Don’t assume the fleas are gone after a few bug bombs.
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