Get Rid of Fleas on Pets and in the Home
Break the flea life cycle by treating your pet, washing bedding, and vacuuming thoroughly. Consistency over 2–4 weeks is key to full removal.
Quick answer
Apply a vet-recommended flea treatment to your pet. Comb daily with a flea comb to remove adults and eggs. Wash all pet bedding and soft furnishings on a hot cycle. Vacuum carpets, floors, and furniture daily for 2 weeks, emptying the cylinder or bag immediately. Spray vet-safe household flea treatment on skirting boards and soft furnishings if needed.
Fleas multiply fast. One adult can lay dozens of eggs a day, which fall into carpets and bedding. You must treat both the animal and the environment at the same time, or the cycle will restart within days.
What you’ll need
- flea comb
- pet-safe flea treatment (vet recommended)
- washing machine
- vacuum cleaner
- flea spray for home (vet safe)
- bin bags
Step by step
- 1
Treat the pet first
Apply the vet-recommended flea treatment exactly as directed on the label. Use the correct dosage for your pet's weight and species. Never use dog treatments on cats, as some ingredients are toxic to felines. Wait the recommended time before bathing.
- 2
Comb daily
Run a fine-toothed flea comb through your pet's coat, working from head to tail. Pay attention to the neck and base of the tail where fleas cluster. Drop any debris into a bowl of soapy water to drown live fleas.
- 3
Wash bedding and soft items
Gather all pet bedding, blankets, and removable sofa covers. Wash them at the hottest temperature the fabric allows, ideally 60 degrees Celsius or above. Dry on high heat if possible. Seal unwashable items in bin bags for two weeks.
- 4
Vacuum every day for two weeks
Vacuum all carpets, rugs, hard floors, sofas, and skirting board edges thoroughly. Flea eggs and larvae hide in cracks and fibres. Empty the vacuum cylinder or remove the bag into a sealed bin bag immediately after each session. Dispose of it outside.
- 5
Spray the home if needed
If fleas persist after a week, use a vet-safe household flea spray on carpets, soft furnishings, and skirting boards. Remove pets and children until the spray is fully dry and the room is ventilated. Follow the product instructions exactly.
- 6
Repeat and monitor
Continue combing and vacuuming for at least 2–4 weeks. This covers the full egg-to-adult life cycle. If you still see live fleas after this period, consult your vet about stronger prescription treatments.
Some flea treatments are species-specific and can poison cats if labelled for dogs only. Always check the packaging. Keep pets away from sprayed surfaces until completely dry. If your pet shows signs of lethargy, vomiting, or skin irritation after treatment, contact your vet immediately.
Common mistakes
- Treating only the pet and ignoring carpets and bedding, which lets eggs hatch and re-infest.
- Stopping treatment too early after a few days; the life cycle can last weeks.
- Using too little product or splitting doses between pets, which makes treatment ineffective.
- Bathing the pet immediately after applying a spot-on treatment, washing the product away.
Frequently asked
Can I use natural remedies like lemon spray or essential oils instead?
Many essential oils are toxic to cats and dogs, even in small amounts. Lemon sprays do not kill flea eggs. Stick to vet-recommended products which are tested for safety and efficacy.
Why am I still seeing fleas after treating my pet?
Most treatments kill adults but do not stop eggs in the environment from hatching. Daily vacuuming and washing are essential to remove the next generation before they mature.
Do I need to treat all pets in the household?
Yes. Fleas will jump from one host to another. Treat every cat and dog in the home on the same schedule to prevent re-infestation.
How do I dispose of a vacuum bag full of fleas?
Remove the bag or cylinder contents into a sealed bin bag immediately after vacuuming. Place the bag in an outdoor wheelie bin so no eggs or larvae escape back into the house.
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