This is a bit of a trick question! There are certainly methods to use on your carpet which will help get rid of fleas after an infestation. That being said, if you just can’t get rid of them or have damaged the carpets with your attempts to eradicate them, it might be time to trash your carpet and install hardwood flooring, laminate, or vinyl. (And don’t forget to call pest control services too!)
So, what are some realistic steps you can take if you find fleas in your carpet?
Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum
This can’t be stated enough. Vacuum slowly across the entirety of your floor. Section it off to be sure you get every inch. Then, go around the baseboards or crack between the wall and floor with the nozzle attachment. Repeat this process 3, 4, even 5 more times.
Vacuuming activates the fleas in eggs, helping them hatch. This is important because flea powder and flea bombs aren’t usually able to kill the flea eggs. You need them in their grown or adolescent stages to be killed by these chemicals.
Vacuuming also stirs up the adult fleas and sucks up the dead carcasses. Fleas carry other parasites, so it’s best to rapidly (and frequently) remove the dead fleas.
Vacuum Some More
Once you’ve finished vacuuming your carpet, it’s time to move on to the rest of the upholstery. Take that vacuum nozzle and go to town. It’s important to get underneath your furniture too so that the fleas don’t just move from there back into your carpet.
Once you’ve finished with all the fabric, move on to vacuum the other flooring of your home. Fleas prefer carpet and fibers, but they will be present on hardwood flooring, vinyl, tile, and other hard surface flooring as well.
After you’ve thoroughly vacuumed every possible inch of your home, put the vacuum bag (or empty the canister) into a plastic garbage bag. Tightly knot the bag and throw it away outside of your house.
Clean Pet Bedding
This step is very important! Any linens they sleep on or use, including rugs, towels, or blankets, should be washed in very hot soapy water and then thoroughly dried on hot.
Use Flea Powders
Try spraying a safe indoor insecticide or sprinkle borax on your carpet. Focus on the edges or areas where your pets like to spend time. Doorways, underneath furniture, and around baseboards are also really important places to thoroughly cover.
If you used an insecticide, wait until it’s dry to remove with the vacuum. If you used borax, wait about a day until it’s been able to set in the carpet and then vacuum. Then, vacuum every day for the next few days (or up to 2 weeks) as it will kill any fleas that may remain. Continue repeating this process as long as you have fleas in your home.
But, nothing worked!
Okay, it’s possible that you can try all these methods and still not be able to rid yourself of fleas. This might be because your pets continue to pick up fleas outside or from neighboring pets. If this is the issue, it may be that you’ll never fully eradicate the fleas from your home without drastic options.
If that’s the case, it’s time to consider getting rid of the carpet all together. There is wood, tile, laminate, marmoleum, and vinyl flooring that could all be a great replacement for carpet. It doesn’t have to break the bank either, as there is a full spectrum of affordable styles to choose from.
Consider using Remnant King Carpets to help you find new, affordable, and long lasting flooring options for your home. We have many beautiful styles and options for you to choose from! So, give us a call today for more information!