Fleas belong to the order Siphonaptera and have around 2500 species. These are small insects that survive on the blood of mammals and birds. The Siphonaptera are related to snow scorpionflies (snow fleas) of the family Boreidae. Adult fleas are usually brown, do not have wings but have strong claws which prevent them from dislodging. Their mouthpart adapts piercing skin and sucks blood.

Fleas arose in the early Cretaceous as ectoparasites of mammals. Fleas hold on to one specific animal host and they even do not breed on any other host. Many flea species show this special characteristic. For example, Malacopsyllidae hosts only on armadillos, the Ischnopsyllidae on only bats, and the Chimaeropsyllidae only on elephant shrews.

We can see what the types of fleas are in the following paragraphs –

• Cat Fleas – Cat fleas can be considered as the most common type of fleas. They infect cats, rabbits, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, and many other animals.
  
  Being most common, they are found on our pets and in our house. They lay up to 50 eggs a day and infest our carpets, furniture, curtains, and other household too.

• Northern Rat Fleas – Always feeding on the blood of rats and mice, these small pests are very nasty. If they are around human beings, they are known to feed on human blood too.
  
  If at all, you have a pet mouse and see it scratching itself, it must be because of these fleas.

• Chicken Fleas – These fleas breed on chicken’s coops and attach with their heads buried in the skin of the chicken. They appear like small black nodules and can be always seen around the head and face of the chicken.
  
  These fleas can bite you and make you a temporary host when you try to remove them from chicken.

• Human Fleas – This species ‘human flea’ can infect human beings. One can identify the difference between them and other fleas only under a microscope.
  
  They infest the human hair and find the hosts by hiding on the seats of transportation vehicles. These fleas infest human’s hairy spots and underarms.
  
  
• Sand fleas – These types of fleas look entirely different from other species. They possess a shrimp-like appearance to match themselves with sandy creatures. They bite any body part of a human near the ground when you lie on the sand of a beach.
  
  Sand fleas feed on dying and organic plants like seaweed. Wherever there is sand, you can find some of them there.

Fleas adapt themselves without any issues and they always have an active life cycle – laying eggs, developing larvae, growing pupae. Their life cycle speed largely depends upon the environmental temperature.            

2.      How to Get Rid of Indoor Fleas?

Flea’s contamination in the house can be a big headache but thankfully fleas are not as hard to get rid of as bed bugs. If you find out the exact places where they are hiding, you can take effective corrective actions without much fuss.

If you have pets at home, they will be the carrier of fleas from outside to inside. Focus on the right areas, and you should not find any problem in getting rid of indoor fleas.

2.1    Natural Home Remedies to Get Rid of Indoor Fleas

Based on the level of infestation, one can plan to use effective natural or chemical methods to get rid of indoor fleas. Indoor fleas are easier to remove with the following natural home remedies, so, before going for the outside help, you can try these in your house –

1. Herbal Flea Spray – You can always use the herbal flea spray in your home as those sprays are non-toxic and do not harm your family or pets.
   
   You can prepare the spray by mixing 4 lt. of vinegar, 2 lt. of water, 500 ml. of lemon juice, and 250 ml. of witch hazel in a large spray bottle. Vacuum the house properly and wash any bedding or cushion that can be infected, before applying it.

• Lemon Spray – Lemon is a multi-purpose remedy on many issues and it is also always available. Citrus spray will be effective on infected furniture.
  
  Make thin slices of lemon; add a pint of water and heat to boil. Keep it overnight and pour in a spray bottle. Spray this citrus solution the next day, on infested and other areas.

• Salt – Salt is a great natural flea home remedy being a dehydration agent and can get rid of adult fleas.
  
  Take some finely ground salt and sprinkle it over the carpet in all rooms. Leave it for 1-2 days, and then vacuum your house thoroughly.

• Dish Soap – Make a mixture of warm water and dish soap and keep it in rooms with most flea activity. The viscosity of the solution acts as a glue that traps fleas that cannot escape.
  
  To get more effectiveness, place it at night time and repeat daily if you get results.

• Baking Soda – As now we know that vacuuming is the most effective way to get rid of fleas, to support this method we can use baking soda.
  
  Spread baking soda on your carpet and furniture. Take a hard brush and rub the surface, vacuum your house thoroughly to remove the fleas. Collect them in a bag and drop them in the outside bin.

• Rosemary – It is an organic flea control product. You can use it when there is light flea infestation and you can use it on pets too.
  
  You can prepare rosemary herbal powder with some rue, wormwood, fennel, and peppermint and grind them together to make powder. Sprinkle this powder on your carpets, pet bedding, furniture, window sills, and wherever you feel activity is there.

• Flea Repelling Plants – The plants which repel fleas will help you to protect your property. Penny Royal, Chrysanthemums, Lavender, and Spearmint plants are great flea repellent.
  
  You can use these plants around your house in flower pots and flower beds as a great natural remedy to repel the fleas.

• Diatomaceous Earth – It is formed by fossilized algae diatoms in microscopic form. It causes dehydration to the fleas and is a great natural non-toxic remedy.
  
  You can sprinkle a thin layer of the powder over the suspected areas of flea infestation. Leave it for 2 days to get maximum effect and then, vacuum properly. Use a face mask as a precaution to avoid inhaling it.

• Use strong vacuum – Perform a thorough vacuum sanitation process on carpets, floors, bedding, and upholstery for the eggs, larvae, and cocoons of fleas. Opt vacuum with a bag to avoid contact with fleas.

1. Use Steam cleaner – Apply steam cleaner over carpets and upholstery including pet bedding. The combination of high heat and soap work wonder on flea’s infestation, be it egg, larvae, or cocoon.
   
   Focus on the spots where your pet rests.

1. Wash all bedding – Another effective option is to wash all bedding, including pets, with hot water. However, if the infestation is large, think of starting with new ones.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar and Salt Spray – To make a spray, dilute 6 cups of apple cider vinegar with four cups of water, and add little sea salt. You can use this solution to spray around your house as well as directly on your pet dog.

1. Neem Oil – Neem oil is also a natural insect repellent due to its strong smell.
   
   Spray dilute neem oil solution around your house to create a fragrance that fleas hate and run away. This can be also mixed with dog flea shampoo while bathing the dog.

1. Aromatherapy Spray – To treat and prevent future occurrences of fleas, you can make an aromatherapy spray.
   
   You have to use sweet almond oil as a base oil and add drops of atlas cedar oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, geranium oil, bay laurel oil, common myrrh oil, and lavender oil.

1. Sulfur – Sulfur kills the fleas that touch it or eat it by disturbing their energy production. Sprinkle the powder mildly in the areas of flea’s activity.
   
   But remember that it can be toxic to your pet, so place it wisely.

2.2    How to Get Rid of Fleas with Pets in House?

Your pets are surely like a family member to you. Their protection is equally important as other family members might get infected if it is. If you suspect your pet has fleas, carry out the following steps –

• Pet bedding – Wash your pet bedding with hot water every second day. Dry it at the highest heat setting every time after washing. If you wash with chemicals, ensure it is a pet-friendly one.

• Flea shampoo– While bathing your pet, use flea shampoo to help them keep away the fleas. Consult your vet about the type of shampoo to be used.
  
  
• Flea comb – Use a flea comb to get rid of fleas, if any, on your pet’s body. You will find fleas around the neck and tail areas of your pet.
  
  Dunk these fleas in the soapy water – it will prevent them from spreading elsewhere.

• Natural remedies – Use a nature-friendly neck collar or solution of two cups of rosemary leaves in hot water. After cooling, soak your pet with this solution to protect them from fleas.

2.3    Chemical Treatment to Get Rid of Indoor Fleas

You need to use the chemicals to kill the fleas in case the infestation is quite large. If you are frequently observing fleas over your carpets and on pets, it is better to apply some powerful chemicals to ensure you are removing the fleas completely.

The chemicals are available as powders, sprays, and foggers. One can use the following products available in the market –

1. Vibrac Knockout E.S. – This is an Area Treatment Spray of 16-ounce. This quantity can be effective in as large as 2100 sq. ft.
   
   It contains Nylar, which kills the deeply hidden fleas and also prevents them for up to 7 months. It does not leave an irritating odor or stains.

• Vet’s Best Spray – This is a 32 oz. spray pack. Vet’s Best spray contains certified natural oils (extracted by steam distillation) like clove and peppermint to kill adult fleas, eggs, and larvae.
  
  Because of its irrigation mechanism, you can cover a bigger area conveniently with little effort. It is also effective in biting bugs, ticks, and mosquitoes.

• HARTZ UltraGaurd Plus Spray – This is a 16 oz. spray pack. It kills fleas in all stages, eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. Once sprayed, its powerful formula keeps the eggs and larvae away for 7 months preventing the re-infestation in the process.
  
  It contains active formulation of pyriproxyfen, phenothrin, and piperonyl butoxide which annihilate plagues efficiently.

• Zodiac Aerosol Spray – It is a water-based formulation that kills fleas in all their forms without leaving odors or stains.
  
  It is a strong combination of S-Methoprene and Permethrin which are powerful growth regulators and insecticides. It also contains Precor, which is an egg inhibitor, stopping the pupae growth.

• Adams Flea and Tick Powder – This powder can be used as a substitute for aerosols and sprays. It disturbs the life cycle of fleas and prevents re-infestation for 1-year. The IGR in it stops the development of fleas for up to 30 days.
  
  This container of 16 oz. covers the 400 sq. ft. area without leaving odor or stains because of citrus scent. This can eliminate generations of fleas and it is easy to apply.

• Adams Plus Flea and Tick Spray – It has similar effects like powder form, however, this 16 oz. can covers 2000 sq. ft. area effectively.

Its content Etofenprox kills flea on contact while S-Methoprene stops pupae to advance in the adult stage. It also contains the synergist chemical MGK-264 that increases the success ratio.

• Sentry Home Household Spray – This 16 oz. pack contains Pyriproxyfen, Tetramethrin, Permethrin, and MGK-264 that kills fleas instantly and stops the advancement of eggs, larvae, and pupae in the adult stage. The protection lasts for 210 days.
  
  It can be applied on carpets, rugs, upholstery, and drapes and it leaves no sticky mess or stains.

• BioSpot Active Care Powder – This powder can kill fleas in all stages on contact. It is combined with Nylar, Pyrethrins, and Linalool. This powder is a good option to stop the life cycle of fleas and treating the current infestation.
  
  It is highly effective, especially on adult fleas. It is also potent to kill larvae, pupae, and eggs on contact.

• Raid Flea Killer Plus – This spray is highly effective in killing fleas in upholstery, drapes, carpets, rugs, and any other places. It neutralizes the hatching of eggs for 4 months. It leaves no stain or odor.
  
  In case of heavy infestation, you can use it in combination with a vacuum.

1. Fleabusters Rx for Flea Plus – Combined with all-natural formula that contains diatomaceous earth, yarrow flower powder, and neem leaf powder. It leaves a pleasant aroma and can be sprayed practically anywhere.
   
   It is pet-safe because of its non-toxic ingredients.

3.      How to Get Rid of Outdoor Fleas?

Flea infestation outdoors can be a big nuisance to you. It is also very difficult to find fleas’ hiding places and eradicate them. Since the area will be bigger, it is also time-consuming. You need to understand the habitats of fleas to find their dens. It is genera

Accordingly, you can take measures to prevent them from pets but there might be other places where they might hide.

3.1    Natural Home Remedies to Get Rid of Outdoor Fleas

You can tackle the outdoor fleas’ problem in two ways, viz, some home remedies, or using chemicals. Here, we can quickly go through some easy natural home remedies to get rid of outdoor flea contamination.

As we know fleas attach themselves to pets, here we take note of some remedies relevant to pets too.

1. Lavender or Cedar Oil Collars – You can protect your pets from fleas by making this simple collar laced with lavender or cedar oil solution.

• Vodka Flea Collar – Soak a pet collar in a teaspoon of vodka and let it dry. The scent of dried vodka won’t allow the fleas to come around your pet.

• Lemon Comb – Lemon is a great repellent of fleas. It can also kill fleas if used appropriately. Dip your pet’s comb or brush into fresh lemon juice and apply it to their hair to remove any fleas attached to them.

• Flea Sachet – This can be purchased or home-made by selecting a thin small sashay of muslin.
  
  Fill the sachet with lemon peel, dried lavender buds, and cedar chips. Tie the top of the bag and place it in the areas where you suspect the infestation is or near the pet’s bedding.

• Baking Soda – Baking soda powder is an effective flea repellent. Sprinkle the powder around your house and outside the entry to get the benefit of its properties.
  
  Leave it overnight and collect and dispose of the fleas the next day.

• Lemon Spray – Lemon spray effectively kills the fleas on contact. You can directly spray it on fleas or larvae to kill them. For preparing the solution you need to boil lemon slices with water and use it as a spray on cooling.
  
  Based on the area, you can decide how much quantity you need.

• Diatomaceous Earth – Diatomaceous earth is very effective on almost all pests or insects. The powder will dehydrate the fleas when rubbed against their bodies and after some time, they will die.

• Flea Trap – This can be applied in the area just outside of your house. The solution of dish soap and water acts as glue, thereby, trapping the fleas into it.

• Rosemary Powder – This can be used to prevent future infestation as well. For more effect, combine it with any of the ingredients including fennel, wormwood, peppermint, etc.
  
  Sprinkle the fine powder around the places.

1. Bushes and Weed – Trim the bushes and hedges regularly so as not to provide any hiding place to fleas.
   
   Fleas like to hide and the more open the garden is, the less the chance of their invasion.

1. Nematodes – Steinerma Carpocapsea nematodes are known to eat fleas, so, if you can wisely use these worms, it will help you to get rid of outdoor fleas. These nematodes are safe for your pet as well as the garden.

3.2    Chemical Treatment to Get Rid of Outdoor Fleas

In case of heavy infestation, there is no other option than to go for the chemical treatment. There are many commercial products available in the market to give you specific results. You can also think of calling professional help but that will be if the infestation is too heavy both outdoor and indoor.

There are some pesticides that are used for flea control treatment as follows –

1. Insect Growth Regulators– They have low acute toxicity for pets and humans. Product comes in the form of collar, dip, spot-on treatment, pet shampoo, spray, wipe-on, injection, food-additive, and pill.

• Nitenpyram – It has low toxicity to humans and pets. It is effective for 48 hours and used in case of heavy infestation. It comes in the form of a pill.

• Selemectin – Very low toxicity to pets and humans but may leave residue on pet fur. Used as spot-on treatment.

• Ethofenprox – It is an ether pyrethroid and has lower toxicity to pets and humans. At high doses, it is reported to be a carcinogen. Used as spot-on treatment.

• Spinosad – Not to be used for cats. Low acute toxicity for dogs and humans. It comes in pill form.

• Amitraz – It is listed as a possible carcinogen. It comes in collar and spot-on treatment form.

• Carbamates (Propoxur, Fenoxycarb, Carbaryl) – Toxic to nervous system of pets, bees, and humans. It comes in the form of dip, collar, dust, and spray.

• Dinotefuran – No data for toxicity is available. Used as spot-on treatment.

• Fipronil – Toxic to nervous system of pets and humans. Classified as possible carcinogen in higher doses. It can be used as a spot-on treatment and spray form.

1. Imidacloprid – It may be toxic to the nervous system of pets and humans. It is highly toxic for bees. It can be used as a spot-on treatment.

3.3    How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your Yard?

If one wishes to get rid of fleas outside, say yard, then the best thing to do is to remove the places of harborage. You need to inspect and short-list the places to take care of. Sun-exposed places won’t be having any fleas around.

Check the activity of your pets and find out where they rest. That will be the place you need to focus more on.

To eliminate fleas, once you have zeroed in on places, do the following things regularly –

• Mow and rake the lawn – Take care of exposed surfaces properly. Fleas might hide in tall grass if there is sufficient shade.

• Clear all debris – You need to remove twigs and dead leaves, from flower beds and bushes. Try to expose as much shady area you can.
  
  
• Place cedar chips – Consider placing cedar chips on areas where your pets lie down to rest. Take note of areas such as under trees, or underneath bushes.

• Use Nematodes – Get Nematodes from your garden store and place them to eat parasite eggs. You can also use sulfur granules and place both around the areas of probable infestation.

4.      How to Get Rid of Fleas from Trees?

The flea infestation cannot be completed without getting rid of them outdoors. Fleas like the shrubs, bushes, and trees to harbor on them as clutter and debris are their favorite. To get rid of the fleas from trees, you need to take some pro-active measures to prevent them.

Here, you need not spray insecticides as they may damage your trees but you can take some natural measures to keep them away.

4.1    Simple Ways to Get Rid of Fleas from Trees  

For removing the fleas from the trees, you can try the following simple methods to keep them away –

• The weeds should be pulled and the branches to be trimmed to avoid hiding place.
• Do not let any clutter or debris under or around the trees as these are their harborage places.
• Use beneficial nematodes to take care of the flea infestation – this won’t harm your plants.

These simple steps will help you to avoid the fleas from nesting in your trees.

5.      How to Find Fleas Nest?

If you need to know where the fleas nest, you must know some basic things and understand their habitats.

Around 57% of the house fleas are in the larvae stage at any given time. The larvae are known to spin a cocoon to live in, where they can develop into a pupa. The adult flea remains in the cocoon for up to five months. They only emerge from cocoons to feed when they get the carbon dioxide from the passing animals.

They can be found frequently on your pet’s bedding and that is the place where you can find them nesting. Outside the house, they like to place themselves in moist, cool, and shady places like shrubs, trees, and leaves. They are not known to nest on open grass or sunny areas.

6.      How to Treat Fleas Bites?

There are many symptoms of a flea bite. The bite area becomes painful and sore and the bites are very itchy. You may also develop a rash or hive near the bite site. If by mistake, the area is scratched, there may be bacterial infection or damage to the skin.

Bites look small, with red bumps clustered together or in straight line. The bite center will have a ‘halo’ around it. The flea bite can be treated in the following way –

• Wash the area of the bite with water and mild soap.
• Take or apply an antihistamine either in liquid or cream, to soothe the itch.
• Shape nails to reduce the risk after scratching the bite area.

If you get catch fever, red bumps that swell, leak fluid, feel warm on touch, develop hives, or feel short of breathe, then, consult your doctor immediately.

FAQs

How to Get Rid of Fleas under Pavers?

Check the pavers, if you have cracks then seal them or spray a natural flea repellent around from outside of your house.

How to Get Rid of Fleas around Pool?

The best way to get rid of fleas around the pool is to pour mild chlorine solution on the perimeter of the pool-side. The chlorine dehydrates the flea’s body and substantially kill them.

How to Get Rid of Fleas with Wings?

Vacuum the house as frequently as possible in all corners, floors, upholstery, and mattress. Wash all bedding, including your pet, with hot water and dry hot.

How to Get Rid of Giant Fleas?

There are many ways to get rid of fleas. If fleas are big-size, then using a vacuum or spraying natural insecticide like vinegar solution to prevent them will be a good idea.

How to Get Rid of Fleas under Carpet?

You can try your hand at foggers available in the market to use on your carpet. If possible, take it outside for fogging and dry it directly under sunlight. The other option is to use a vacuum if you are sure that the infestation is little. 

How Vegans Get Rid of Fleas?

Vegans implement the strategy of preventing invasion by various methods. They would not like to kill pests, so, they can control them outside by using some strong flea-repellents to keep them away.

How to Get Rid of Fleas in Refrigerator?

Fleas cannot survive in cold temperatures, so, they won’t infest the refrigerator. If by chance they enter along with temporary host material, they would die within 5 days.