Megan asked 8 years ago
I recently found pre emerged adult fleas on a t-shirt in my kids drawer. I pushed on the white spot I found and a flea popped out. The drawer is located under my child’s bed where his cat frequently slept until 5 weeks ago when I discovered our flea infestation, the cat has been restricted to our laundry room since (the cat slept on the bed not in the drawer). Also all of our animals have been treated and restricted from most of the house until I get this under control. I have been vacuuming twice to three times a week and I’ve laundered every bit of clothing and still found this. Please help! I’m just about at my wits end!! What do I do now?!?!
Adam Retzer Staff answered 8 years ago
Hi Megan,
I just saw your question here is the same as asked on the How long do cocoons live for page. I am going to delete the question on that page, and leave your question here. I think it’s better for the question to have it’s own page.
Here’s my answer from that page:
It sounds like you’ve followed all the correct steps. Most infestations take around 8 weeks to be completely eradicated. And, as this article mentions, cocooned adults can stay quiescent for up to 5 months. Vacuuming is the best way to force these fleas to emerge, as it simulates host cues (heat and pressure).
It may also be a good to idea to spray the carpets with an insect growth regulator (IGR). IGRs mimic natural insect hormones. Exposed eggs and larvae won’t be able to reach adulthood. Because they specifically target the insect endocrine system, IGRs are considered safer than traditional insecticides. Applying an IGR is a good way to prevent re-infestation, as they remain effective indoors for up to 7 months. Look for the ingredients pyriproxyfen (Nylar) or methoprene (Precor). Martin’s IGR makes a concentrate in a good size for indoor use, and it doesn’t contain any other ingredients.
Let me know if you have any other follow-up questions.
Warm regards,
Adam
Megan
replied 8 years ago Thank you so much for your prompt response!! I have bought precor 2000 plus (it has not arrived yet) and plan to spray our carpets (only have 2) and the baseboards around our laminate floors, also under couch cushions and mattress. I do have a few follow up questions. Is there something safe for my kids that I can spray in the clothing drawers where I found the pupae? Also, with laminate floors, will spraying the perimeter of the room be enough? I’m hoping to avoid lots of spraying because of the baby (6 months). But at this point I will do whatever it takes. Thanks again!
Adam RetzerNow that the cat is treated, you shouldn’t have any more fleas in the clothing drawers. Most flea drops contain an adulticide and IGR. The adulticide will kill any adult fleas, and the IGR will sterilize the females even if they survive long enough to mate.
Adult fleas live permanently on their host once acquired. Eggs are laid on the host animal, but fall off within a few hours of being laid. They drop into the environment anywhere the animal has access. What likely happened was an egg fell from the cat into the drawer. The egg then hatched into a larvae and pupated.
Spraying the perimeter of the laminate floor should suffice. Laminate floors aren’t ideal habitats for developing fleas. If found there, fleas would be in cracks, crevices around baseboards, or the perimeter where debris collects.
I can’t think of anything else you would need to do. Your problem should be resolved soon. Just keep up the vacuuming, and continue the monthly pet treatments for the labeled duration.
