The first step in treating a flea infestation is identifying where they are hiding. Learn how to check for fleas in your carpet and how to remove them.
How to help get rid of fleas in carpets and tips on spotting them
Having fleas in carpets, upholstery or anywhere else in your home isn't just annoying, it's dangerous. Dealing with flea bites is bad enough, but these tiny insects can also transfer a number of diseases to your family. The quicker you can spot and get rid of fleas in your home, the safer and happier you, your family and your pets will be.
How can you tell if you have fleas in your carpet?
The first step to any pest infestation is positively identifying the culprit. With fleas, the most visible signs will not likely be seen in the carpeting, because even the adults only measure about one-eighth of an inch.
Most signs of fleas will come from bites, itching and scratching, but there are two signs of fleas in carpets you can look out for:
Understanding how fleas use carpeting
Getting rid of a flea infestation requires so much more than simply treating the carpet, but it’s a good place to start. Entomologists at the University of Kentucky explain why:
How to help get rid of fleas in carpet
When you're ready to take the first steps to rid your carpet of fleas, the University of Kentucky entomologists recommend:
The Illinois Department of Public Health also weighs in on the best way to get rid of fleas in carpets, advising:
The Michigan State University Pesticide Safety Program goes on to point out why many do-it-yourself flea treatments fail. Here, they touch on the tenacity needed by homeowners who don’t hire a pest management professional:
That's a lot of work. And as the University of Kentucky cautions, "once fleas become established in a home, insecticides are almost always needed to control them." Certain treatments should be applied by a professional pest control technician to ensure safety and effectiveness.
