How to get rid of fleas inside the house – 5 fast and effective ways to kill an infestation

Getting rid of fleas inside the house is common problem, so don't panic if you suddenly notice an infestation in your home, especially if you share are living with pets.

Fleas are one of the most frustrating and persistent insect infestations that can occur in a home, especially because they bury themselves in carpets, sofas, and seemingly every corner of a room. 

Here's how to get rid of fleas in the house fast – and keep them from coming back.

How can I get rid of fleas in my house fast?

If your beloved pet has fleas, the chances are that your floors and furniture will infested too. As well as ensuring you comb your cat, dog or rabbit with a flea comb regularly, there are plenty of natural ways to help get rid of fleas inside the house fast.

1. Use baking soda to remove fleas

Baking soda has multiple uses, from cleaning with baking soda, to using baking soda to kill ants, but did you know that you can also use this pantry staple to get rid of fleas inside the house? 

It is no secret that fleas can transmit diseases to humans, so it is imperative that you take measures to eradicate them in the first instance, especially if you burrowed themselves deep with the fibers of a rug or carpet. 

A fail-safe way to get rid of fleas is to sprinkle baking soda down, give it a rub and then vacuum up any residue. You may have to do this a few times before you remove all the fleas. Pay close attention to the areas where pets sleep, too. However, if your flea infestation is larger, you may want to try a few of the methods detailed below. 

2. Try a homemade lemon-infused spray

These moments can have us reaching for the insecticides. However, filled with chemicals, commercial treatments often stand at odds with the sustainable garden ideas.

This is where homemade bug sprays and deterrents come into their own. Created from items you would find in your store cupboard, they are quick and effective ways to get rid of fleas inside the house. 

Thanks to its acidic quality, lemons are an all-natural way to remove the presence of fleas in the home. They are also a brilliant way to clean a microwave and clean an oven. too. One of the easiest homemade bug sprays, simple boil water and lemon together in a pan, let it cool down overnight and decant the lemon-infused water into a spray bottle. Shake thoroughly and apply to the affected areas.

However, while we usually always advocate for environmentally-safe methods of unwanted bug removal, sometimes only chemicals or professional help will do, so it is important that you determine which is best for you and your household.

3. Wash bedding on a higher heat than usual 

If your flea infestation is mild, then washing your bedding in hot water and soap might just be enough to get rid of fleas inside the house. 

Use the hottest water that can be tolerated for the bedding, clothing and fabric that may have been exposed to fleas. You can use your regular laundry detergent and dry thoroughly on a high heat to kill of any remaining eggs and larvae. Don't forget to do the same to your pet's bed and blanket.

4. Use heat from a steam cleaner

The amount of items you can clean with a steamer could surprise you. While the appliance might be a favorite for cleaning up floors, it can be a great solution for getting rid of fleas inside the house.

To preserve the life of your mattress and kill fleas, vacuum it first, then apply steam, allowing the mattress to dry fully afterwards. The only caveat: your steamer needs to be able to heat the water to at least 212ºF (100ºC) for this task. Thanks to the combination of high heat and soap, the fleas will be eradicated with minimal fuss. A steam cleaner can lift dirt and get rid of odors from furniture as well.

5. Vacuum extensively 

With the best vacuum for pet hair, you will find cleaning up after you pets a whole lot easier, especially when fleas are involved. Engineered with features to capture hair, dirt, dander and more, look for a vacuum that is powerful enough to keep your home free from fleas. Pay close attention to hard-to-reach areas, and once you have finished vacuuming, remember to empty the filter or bag immediately.

What are fleas?

'The two that most people worry about are fleas (which jump on animals with fur, suck blood for a short while, then lay eggs, which fall off into the environment) and ticks (which crawl on the animal, attach their mouthparts to the skin, suck blood for two weeks, then fall off to lay eggs in the environment). Both can be readily controlled,' explains veterinary surgeon, Neil McIntosh.

'Fleas evolved from scorpion flies during the Jurassic period some 165 million years ago, making them among the most durable of parasites. They have been sucking blood, first that of feathered dinosaurs and later mammals and birds, ever since. While they rarely cause anaemia, flea-bite allergies are common, as are secondary bacterial and yeast skin infections.'