Fleas aren’t just a mild inconvenience as they can become a full blown infestation if left unchecked. Once fleas get onto your pet, it doesn’t take long before they start spreading throughout your home. These tiny pests love warmth and often hide in carpets, rugs, furniture and pet bedding. Even worse, flea eggs and larvae can remain hidden and dormant for months, only waiting for the right conditions to hatch and start the cycle all over again.
One of the early signs of a problem is your pet scratching more than usual. Sometimes you might actually spot fleas jumping from place to place. But what’s tricky is that by the time you notice them, there’s a good chance they’ve already laid eggs in different areas of your home. To properly get rid of fleas, you need a multi-pronged approach to include treating your pet, cleaning your indoor spaces thoroughly and staying vigilant over the coming weeks.
So How Effective is Carpet Cleaning in Killing Fleas?
Carpet cleaning especially steam cleaning can play a powerful role in tackling fleas. The high temperature steam penetrates deep into carpet fibres, killing adult fleas, larvae and eggs on contact. This makes steam cleaning one of the most effective non-chemical solutions to a flea problem inside the house. However, it’s important to understand that it’s not a one and done solution.
Because flea eggs are tough and some larvae may be hidden deep in the fibres or in tight spaces, a single clean might not wipe everything out. This is why repeated cleans may be necessary over a period of time. Fleas can also jump from carpet to furniture, which means that soft furnishings like couches, curtains and even your pet’s bed should also be cleaned thoroughly. Hot water washing is ideal where possible, and for everything else, a professional steam clean can help.
Vacuuming regularly before and after a carpet clean is also a smart move. It removes debris and makes it harder for fleas to hide. Just make sure to empty the vacuum straight away and dispose of the contents safely (preferably outside) so you’re not just moving the problem from one part of the house to another.
Treating the Whole Home (and Pet) is Essential
You can clean every carpet in the house, but if your pet is still carrying fleas, they’ll keep coming back. That’s why any effective treatment must start with your pet. Flea shampoos, topical treatments, powders, and collars are all commonly used and often need to be repeated to truly get the upper hand. Chat to your vet if you’re unsure which is best for your pet’s age, size, or skin type.
Once your pet is sorted, it’s time to roll up your sleeves. Bedding, cushion covers, soft toys, and curtains should all be washed on a hot cycle. Fleas and their eggs don’t cope well with high heat, so this is one of the best ways to get rid of them quickly. Mattresses, rugs, and even the car if your pet travels with you might need attention too.
The key is being thorough and consistent. Even after a full clean and treatment, it’s wise to repeat the process several times over a few weeks to catch any stragglers. Flea larvae can survive hidden for months, so don’t let your guard down too quickly.
Leave the Deep Cleaning to the Pros
Getting on top of a flea infestation takes time, effort and more than a few loads of washing. One of the best things you can do is call in professional carpet cleaners in Adelaide who have the equipment to do a deep steam clean that can help break the flea life cycle by reaching where regular vacuums can’t. Pair that with proper pet treatment and some consistent follow up, and you’ll be well on your way to a flea free home.
