Get rid of fleas by vacuuming & cleaning

Vacuuming & Flea Control

Vacuum before Spraying

Regular vacuuming accelerates the eradication process and reduces the need to excessively apply chemicals. It’s the 3rd step in flea control because it should be done prior to using any sprays, foggers, or powders. Vacuuming lifts up carpet fibers so insecticides can penetrate deeper into the matrix, making them more effective.

Benefits of Vacuumings

Removes & Kills Fleas

Flea populations consist of 50-57% eggs, 34-35% larvae, 8-10% pupae, and 1-5% adults. Adults live and lay eggs on their host. The non-sticky eggs fall off within a few hours, accumulating in rooms where infested pets frequently rest. In homes, 83% of immature fleas live within carpets.

Vacuuming carpets can remove 32-90% of eggs, 15-50% of larvae, 63.8% of pupae, and 95% of emerged adults. Efficacy decreases with higher density carpets. The process of being vacuumed up kills 100% of pre-adult fleas, and 95% of adults. Thus, in most cases, further efforts to sanitize the vacuum’s bag or canister are unnecessary.

Removes Larval Food

Flea larvae consume flea eggs and feces. If larvae can’t find these foods, they’ll starve to death within 3 days of hatching. Vacuuming helps remove some of the larval food from the environment.

Removes Pet Hair & Debris

Organic debris benefits larvae by keeping them hidden and protected in their habitat. Vacuums can remove hair and detritus from carpets to make it less habitable for fleas.

Triggers Cocoon Emergence

After maturing, adult fleas can stay quiescent within their cocoons for up to 5 months. This extended longevity causes control issues. However, the “sleeping” fleas rapidly wake up and exit their cocoons upon detecting heat and physical pressure. These stimuli indicate that a host is resting on the cocoon. Vacuuming can simulate these host cues to force the adults to emerge.

Prevents Cocoon Formation

Flea larvae sometimes pupate without cocoons (naked pupae) if their substrate is shaken. The quiescent state can only occur within a cocoon. Also, without a sticky cocoon, pupae are easier to vacuum up. Beater-bar vacuums may agitate carpets enough to force naked pupae to develop.

How Often to Vacuum

Eggs are the easiest stage to remove with a vacuum. Upon hatching, larvae move deep down into the substrate to avoid light. Larvae are covered in bristles and exhibit coiling behavior when disturbed, which helps them resist removal. Flea cocoons are spun with sticky fibers that get incorporated into carpeting, making pupae difficult to remove also.

Since eggs are removed most easily, it’s best to try to eliminate them before they hatch. In homes, flea eggs hatch 2-3 days after being laid. Thus, it’s recommended to vacuum at least every other day. Continue this routine for at least 8 weeks. Even after proper treatment, fleas will continue emerging from carpets for at least 2 months.

After spraying carpets with insecticide, don’t vacuum until it dries. Some sources recommend waiting a week. However, studies have shown that vacuuming treated carpets doesn’t decrease insecticide activity. Vacuuming may actually increase insecticide performance, by causing cocooned adults to emerge and then contact the insecticide.

Where to Vacuum

When establishing control, thoroughly vacuum the entire home. Rooms favored by cats and dogs will contain the most fleas. Take extra care in places where pets sleep, groom, and eat. For example, animals often rest at the foot or sides of beds in bedrooms, or near sofas in living rooms. These are typical flea hot-spots.

If possible, remove furniture from flea-infested rooms. If not, vacuum beneath furnishing. When eggs fall near furniture, upon hatching, the larvae may seek refuge underneath. Refrigerators can be an overlooked hot-spot, cats may spend time near the warm vent, then eggs and larvae may get swept under the appliance.

Vacuum upholstered furniture, especially if pets rest there. Remove pillows and cushions from the seats. Then vacuum the pieces thoroughly, giving attention to crevices and folds in the fabric.

Don’t neglect rugs or other floor types (e.g. hardwood, tile, linoleum). Focus on cracks in hardwood floors, and crevices around baseboards. It can be beneficial to permanently caulk or seal any obvious cracks or openings.

Vacuums for Flea Control

Other Sanitation Methods to Kill Fleas

Steam-cleaning, Carpet Shampooing, & Mopping

Steam cleaning kills fleas in the environment. It’s a useful technique for eliminating fleas deep within carpets, as well as hard-to-reach areas. Steam cleaners remove more debris than dry vacuums. Likewise, they’re superior at removing and destroying fleas at all stages.

Steam’s high temperature is lethal to fleas. All life stages die when temperatures exceed 100.4°F (38°C). Experiments weren’t done with acute exposure. However, steam’s heat more than doubles any studied temperature. It’s unlikely that fleas could survive exposure.

Steaming is a useful for establishing control, especially in severe infestations with large numbers of fleas. Unfortunately, wet cleaning methods will significantly reduce the residual activity of insecticides. As a result, it’s best to steam clean or carpet shampoo before treating the environment. Once insecticides are applied, then switch to a dry vacuuming routine.

Mopping may be advisable on some floor types, such linoleum, tile, hardwood, or concrete.

Declutter the Home

Untidy rooms are difficult to clean and treat. This can lead to flea control failure. Fleas may be developing under furniture, appliances, and other household items. Basements and closets are especially prone to accumulating clutter. Organizing and decluttering the home will make controlling fleas easier and more efficient.

Laundering Rugs & Bedding

Laundering rugs, bedding, blankets, and pet beds will kill any potential fleas. It’s advisable to wash these items once a week. Set the washer to around 140°F, for 10 minutes. Then dry the items at the highest heat setting. 30 to 40 minutes in the dryer will kill all stages of fleas. One source states that wet items may not get hot enough if washing is done before drying. So, ensure the items are dried thoroughly to kill fleas.

Other Sanitation Tips

Clean and sanitize pet carriers and kennels that have been used recently. Use a stiff-bristled brush with hot, soapy water to disinfect the items. Citrus or pine cleansers are recommended. Give infested pets a rug to sleep on and launder it weekly.

Vacuuming & Sanitation aren’t Enough

Ongoing vacuuming and environmental sanitation are crucial parts of any flea control program. They accelerate the extermination process. However, these measures alone won’t end an infestation, as many immature fleas will escape removal.