Finding fleas in your carpet can be incredibly frustrating. These small pests bring itching and discomfort, and can be difficult to fully eliminate. At Eagle’s Eye Carpet Cleaning, we know that flea infestations need a multi-pronged approach. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get rid of fleas in your carpets and keep them from coming back.
What Attracts Fleas to Carpet?
Fleas are attracted to carpets for a few key reasons:
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Warmth: Fleas thrive in warm, humid environments. Carpet fibers trap warmth and moisture, creating an ideal habitat.
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Vibrations: Fleas detect vibrations and movement, which signal a potential host. Constant foot traffic and pet activity make carpets prime real estate.
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Places to Hide: The thick fibers of carpet provide ample hiding spots for fleas to evade detection and treatment. Eggs can be laid deep in the pile.
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Food Source: Carpets contain crumbs, dead skin cells, and other organic debris that fleas feed on. A regular food supply means they’ll stick around.
If you have pets that frequent carpeted areas of your home, fleas will be even more attracted to set up residence. Their infestations often originate from pets roaming outdoors.
Signs of a Flea Infestation
Some telltale signs that fleas have infiltrated your carpets include:
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Small black specks that jump or crawl – these are adult fleas. They’ll be most noticeable on light colored carpeting.
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Red bumps or irritation on legs and ankles after walking barefoot on carpets – this indicates flea bites.
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Your pet is scratching, biting, or seems generally uncomfortable.
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You see flea dirt, which looks like black pepper sprinkled on the carpet. It’s actually flea poop containing digested blood.
Don’t wait until you have a full-blown infestation. At the first sign of fleas, take action to get rid of them for good.
How to Get Rid of Fleas in Carpet
Knocking out a flea problem requires diligence, patience, and repeated effort. Here is our proven step-by-step process used by our professional carpet cleaning technicians:
Step 1: Vacuum Thoroughly
The first line of defense is your trusty vacuum cleaner. Give all carpeted areas a thorough vacuuming to remove adult fleas, eggs, larva, and flea dirt.
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Use the hose attachment to reach into corners, baseboards, and under furniture.
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Vacuum all furniture, pet beds, and rugs that contact the carpet.
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Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag or contents after use.
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Continue daily vacuuming of infested areas for at least 2 weeks.
Step 2: Steam Clean
Heat is an effective and pet-safe way to kill all stages of the flea life cycle. Our powerful truck-mounted steam cleaning system penetrates deep into carpet fibers to eliminate fleas on contact.
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Temperatures above 130°F are lethal to fleas. Steaming can hit temperatures over 200°F.
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The high pressure also dislodges eggs and larvae for removal.
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We recommend professional steam cleaning if the infestation covers large areas.
You can rent or buy portable steam cleaners for spot treating small areas. Focus on traffic zones and pet areas.
Step 3: Apply Carpet Spray
For severe infestations, carpet sprays can provide added knockdown and residual killing power:
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Look for sprays with natural ingredients that are safe for kids and pets once dried. We recommend clove oil, peppermint oil, or neem oil sprays.
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Growth regulators stop flea eggs and larvae from reaching adulthood.
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Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) mimic flea hormones to disrupt reproductive cycles.
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Follow all label directions carefully. Some products require pets to be removed during application.
Step 4: Treat Pet Directly
To prevent re-infestation, pets need to be treated simultaneously:
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Use veterinarian-recommended flea prevention like prescription pills, topical spot-ons, or flea collars. Consult your vet on the best product for your pet.
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Give your pet a bath with flea shampoo to wash away adult fleas. Pay special attention to the base of the tail, under arms, and around the neck.
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Continue using vet-prescribed flea prevention monthly, even after the infestation clears.
Step 5: Diatomaceous Earth
For lasting protection, apply a thin layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) across all carpeted areas. The microscopic fossilized remains of diatoms puncture fleas’ exoskeletons and kill them within 72 hours of contact.
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Apply a fine dusting and work into fibers with a broom. Avoid breathing in the dust.
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Reapply after vacuuming to replace layers that were removed.
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DE is non-toxic and safe for kids and pets when used properly.
Step 6: Maintain Vigilance
Be vigilant for signs of fleas and continue preventative maintenance:
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Vacuum frequently with meticulous attention to problem areas.
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Wash all pet bedding weekly in hot water.
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Keep pets on monthly flea prevention medication.
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Reapply diatomaceous earth once a month.
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Schedule professional steam cleaning services every 6-12 months.
Follow these best practices, and you can get rid of fleas and keep them out for good! Contact Eagle’s Eye Carpet Cleaning if you need professional assistance battling fleas.
FAQs About Fleas in Carpet
Here are answers to some common questions we receive about eliminating flea infestations in carpets:
How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Fleas in Carpet?
It can take 2-4 weeks to fully clear an existing flea infestation from carpet using the process outlined above. The life cycle has four stages, and fleas in the pupa phase can stay dormant for up to 140 days before emerging as adults. Consistent vacuuming, steaming, spraying, and preventatives are key to breaking the cycle.
What Kills Flea Eggs in Carpet?
Flea eggs are protected by an outer coating and can be difficult to destroy. Steam cleaning provides heat lethal to eggs, while vacuuming and sprays remove some eggs before they can hatch. Insect growth regulators also prevent eggs from developing. Diatomaceous earth damages eggs with its sharp edges.
Can You Use Bleach to Kill Fleas in Carpet?
We do not recommend using bleach or harsh chemicals like ammonia to treat fleas in carpets. The fumes are toxic and can be dangerous for pets and humans. Bleach also strips and fades carpet fibers. For effective, pet-safe options, stick to our recommendations of vacuuming, steaming, sprays, and diatomaceous earth.
How Do You Keep Fleas Out of Carpet Permanently?
Prevention is the best long-term solution. Keep pets protected with continuous monthly flea prevention medication. Maintain carpets with regular professional steam cleanings every 6-12 months. Vacuum frequently and thoroughly. Diatomaceous earth creates an inhospitable environment for fleas settling into carpet. Address any flea problems immediately at the first sign of infestation.
Trust the Carpet Flea Removal Experts
While do-it-yourself efforts can tackle minor flea problems, severe or recurring infestations often require professional treatment. Our experts at Eagle’s Eye Carpet Cleaning use state-of-the-art equipment and proven techniques to eradicate fleas at every stage. We use only green, pet-friendly solutions safe for families.
For unbeatable flea removal results, call Eagle’s Eye Carpet Cleaning today at (555) 555-1234 for a free estimate! Our flea-free guarantee ensures your carpets will stay pest-free for 6 months after treatment or we’ll promptly return and re-treat at no additional cost. Breathe easy and reclaim your home from frustrating flea infestations.