Flea treatment: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What flea treatment is

A pro treats pets and the home to break the flea life cycle, using products for pets and, where needed, treatments for the house or yard. Flea control works best when the pet and the home are treated together and the steps are repeated as the product label directs.

Signs you need it

  • Your pet is scratching, biting or chewing its coat more than usual
  • You can see fleas, flea dirt or small bites on your pet or on people in the home
  • Fleas have spread through the home, such as to carpets, bedding or furniture
  • You have several pets, and the fleas keep coming back
  • You want a plan for the pet and the home that is set out in writing

What the pro does

  • Asks about your pets, their age and weight, the home layout and any reaction to past treatments
  • Checks the pets for fleas and flea dirt and identifies the level of infestation
  • Recommends products for each pet, and says to ask your veterinarian which product fits the animal
  • Treats the home, such as carpets, bedding and pet areas, using labeled products
  • Explains safe re-entry times and what to keep away from the treated areas
  • Sets a follow-up plan, since fleas can return from the yard or other animals

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The number of pets and the size of each one
  • The size of the home and whether treatment is needed indoors, outdoors or both
  • The level of infestation and how many treatments are needed
  • Whether a yard treatment, a carpet treatment or a bedding wash is included
  • Whether a follow-up visit or retreatment is included
  • Whether the pro supplies the products or you buy them yourself

What a written quote should spell out

  • The pets treated, the home areas treated and the products used
  • Whether yard treatment, carpet treatment and bedding care are included
  • The re-entry times and the safety steps for people and other animals
  • Whether a follow-up visit or retreatment is included
  • The guarantee terms, if any, and what they cover

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Which products will you use on my pets, and how do they fit with my veterinarian's advice?
  • Are the home products labeled for use around pets and children?
  • How long should we stay out of the treated rooms?
  • What is the plan if fleas come back in two weeks?
  • Do you treat the yard, and when is the best time to do that?
  • Are you licensed to apply pesticides for hire?
  • What should I do if my pet has a reaction after treatment?

Red flags

  • Recommends a strong product for pets without asking about species, age or weight
  • Will not show the product label or say what the home product contains
  • Sprays the whole home with no plan or no safety steps
  • Says one treatment will eliminate fleas for good
  • Does not give re-entry times or tell you what to keep away from treated areas

What you can do yourself

You can wash pet bedding in hot water, vacuum carpets and furniture often, and throw away the vacuum bag or empty the canister outside. Ask your veterinarian which flea product is right for your pet's species, age and weight, and follow the label exactly. Hire a pro for a home infestation, for multiple pets, for yard treatment, or for repeated flea problems, and call your veterinarian for any pet that shows weakness, pale gums, or a severe skin reaction.

Licenses and permits

Applying pesticides to homes and yards for hire is commonly regulated, and many states require a commercial pesticide applicator license. Check with your state's pesticide regulatory agency, and ask the pro to show a current license and the labels for the products they use.

Flea treatment questions

Can I use the same flea product on all my pets?

No. Products are made for specific species, and some are not safe for certain animals. Ask your veterinarian which product is right for each pet, and never use a dog product on a cat without advice.

How long does a flea treatment take to work?

It depends on the product and the life cycle of the fleas. Fleas can keep hatching for weeks, so ask the pro for a follow-up plan and keep treating as the label directs.

Is it safe to be in the home after treatment?

Follow the re-entry times on the product label. Keep children and pets away from treated areas until they are dry and the time has passed.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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