Flea treatment for homes: what to know

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

What flea treatment for homes is

Flea treatment for homes clears fleas from carpets, bedding, furniture and cracks by vacuuming, washing bedding, and applying insect growth regulators or sprays, while the pet is treated with a veterinarian's plan. People call when pets keep getting bitten after treatment, when flea bites show up on people, or when fleas have spread through the house.

Signs you need it

  • Pets scratch, chew or lick themselves constantly, and you see fleas or flea dirt in their coat
  • Small dark specks that turn red when wet, called flea dirt, appear on bedding, carpets or the pet's bed
  • Ankle and leg bites appear on people, often in small clusters, after time spent indoors
  • Fleas jump onto you when you walk across carpet or sit on upholstered furniture
  • The problem came back after the pet was treated, which means eggs and larvae are still in the house

What the pro does

  • The technician checks carpets, pet beds, upholstery, cracks and baseboards to find where fleas and flea dirt are
  • The homeowner is asked to vacuum thoroughly and wash pet bedding and linens in hot water before treatment
  • Insect growth regulators or labeled sprays are applied to carpets, floors, baseboards and furniture, following the label
  • Cracks and the edges of rooms are treated where fleas hide, and outdoor areas where pets rest are treated if needed
  • A follow-up plan is set, with the pet's veterinary treatment coordinated, since the pet is the main source for the next generation

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Every job is different, so we do not publish prices.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.

  • Size of the home and the number of rooms with carpet or upholstery
  • Severity of the infestation and how long fleas have been established
  • Number of pets and whether they sleep in the bedrooms or on furniture
  • Whether outdoor areas where pets rest must be treated as well
  • Amount of clutter, bedding and furniture to be moved or treated
  • Number of follow-up visits needed to break the life cycle
  • Whether pet treatment is handled by a veterinarian and billed separately

What a written quote should spell out

  • The rooms and surfaces treated, with carpets, furniture and cracks listed
  • The products by name, with their label directions and drying times
  • The prep you must complete, such as vacuuming, washing bedding and moving items
  • The follow-up visit schedule and what happens if fleas are still present
  • A note on the pet treatment that needs to be coordinated with a veterinarian
  • Any outdoor treatment included and the areas it covers

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Are the products labeled for fleas and safe for the pets and people in the home?
  • How long should we stay out of treated rooms, and when can the pets come back in?
  • What should I do with the pet's bedding and the vacuum bag before the visit?
  • Do you coordinate with my veterinarian, or should I talk to them first?
  • How many follow-up visits do you plan to break the life cycle?
  • Do you treat the yard, and which areas do you cover?
  • What do I do if fleas show up again after the treatment?

Red flags

  • They treat the house without asking about the pets or their treatment plan
  • They promise the fleas will be gone after one visit with no follow-up
  • They use bombs or foggers as the main method, which do not reach the flea larvae in carpet and cracks
  • They recommend a product for pets that is not labeled for use on pets
  • They will not say which products they apply or where

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can vacuum carpets and furniture daily for a period of time, empty the vacuum outside, wash all pet bedding and linens in hot water, and treat the pet with a product from the veterinarian. Do not use foggers or bombs, since they do not reach the flea larvae and can irritate people and pets. Call a licensed pest control operator for home treatment, and talk to the veterinarian before using any product on a pet.

Licenses and permits

Flea treatment for homes with pesticide products for pay is commonly licensed in many areas; pet treatment is handled by a veterinarian. Check with your state or local licensing agency before you hire for the home treatment, and confirm that the operator holds the license that covers it.

Flea treatment for homes questions

Why are the fleas still here after I treated the pet?

Eggs, larvae and pupae develop in carpet, bedding and cracks, so treating the pet alone does not clear the house. Ask the operator to treat the home and to coordinate with your veterinarian.

Is a flea treatment safe for children?

It depends on the product and the method. Ask the operator for the labels, follow the drying and wait times, and keep children and pets out of treated rooms until they are dry and the label allows.

Should I vacuum before the treatment?

Yes. Vacuum carpets, furniture and cracks thoroughly, empty the vacuum outdoors, and wash bedding in hot water before the visit. Ask the operator what else to prepare and what to leave alone.

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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