How to Get Rid of Fleas in Carpet

The first and most crucial step in killing fleas in your carpet is pinpointing their exact location. While fleas can spread in the carpeting throughout your home, the most popular hiding spots are usually places where pets love to relax because fleas need a host to survive. This includes couches, blankets, and bedding.

So if fleas are bouncing around the carpet, they are most likely coming from one of these hot spots. Therefore, it's essential to wash all your pet's bedding in steaming hot water and detergent and toss it in the dryer on the highest heat setting. 

Additionally, it's important to treat your pet by taking them to the veterinarian. If none of these treatments work, it’s time to call an exterminator.

The good news is that you can remove fleas with a vacuum cleaner, which is something you probably already have in the cleaning closet. Vacuuming sucks away fleas, along with eggs, larvae, and pupae. It also removes flea blood and feces, which can serve as a food source.

Vacuum the carpet several times, and don't forget to use the attachments to get into corners and crevices along the baseboards. Also, move furniture around so you can vacuum the carpet that's usually under the furniture.

How to Empty the Vacuum Cleaner

Emptying the vacuum correctly is just as important as vacuuming. You want to empty the vacuum after cleaning immediately to avoid a reinfestation.

1. Put on protective gloves.

2. If your vacuum has a bag, step outside, remove the bag, and place it in something that can be sealed, like a container or another type of bag.

3. Put it in your outside garbage can.

4. If your vacuum is bagless, step outside and empty the container into a bag or container that you can seal and place it in the garbage can.

5. Immediately wash the container with hot water and soap or bleach. 

Steam cleaning your carpet is also another effective option for killing fleas. The steam will kill fleas no matter their development stage, as they can't survive anything hotter than 95 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The combination of heat and soap works not only for killing fleas in carpets but also for other home areas, including hardwood floors, countertops, furniture, and upholstery.

If you have a carpet cleaner or know where to rent one, another option for killing fleas in carpet is good shampooing. This is another deadly combination of hot water and soap that fleas can’t survive. So if your carpet is due for a cleaning and you have a flea issue, this can be a win-win method.

The type of powder will determine how you apply it and treat fleas. Remember to always read the manufacturer’s directions before using, and always take caution and remove pets from the area. Here is a breakdown for each type of powder:

How to Use Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is an abrasive powder made up of tiny organisms called diatoms. Once the diatomaceous earth attaches to the flea’s body, it absorbs all moisture causing the flea to dry up and die.

Sprinkling food-grade diatomaceous earth on your carpet is a highly effective way of killing fleas. It can take as little as four hours to kill fleas, but it's best to let it sit for 48 hours to guarantee effectiveness. While diatomaceous earth is exceptionally effective against adult fleas, it does not kill eggs. You can repeat this process once a week for a few weeks to ensure all viable eggs are hatched.

While diatomaceous earth is generally safe to use you should still wear gloves and a mask while handling this product to avoid any possible irritation to your skin or lungs. You’ll want to keep humans and pets out during use. You should always talk to a pest control pro about safety concerns.

1. Put pets in a safe place, and pick up dishes, toys, and other items.

2. Put on a pair of gloves and a mask.

3. Sprinkle the powder over your carpet to create a thin, even coating.

4. Take a broom and work it into the carpet to get deep in the fibers.

5. Leave the powder for at least 1–2 days.

6. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove the powder and dead fleas.

How to Use Flea Powder

The insecticidal chemicals in flea powder kill larvae and adult fleas when they come in contact with it. You should minimize your pet’s or kid’s exposure to flea powders, even if it’s labeled as safe for pets. Flea powder is left on the carpet for a period before being vacuumed up, meaning your furry friends can potentially get it on their paws or fur and ingest it during grooming, which could be harmful. It's always best to remove pets, toys, and dishes and wear protective gear when dealing with any type of flea powder.

1. Put pets in a safe place, and pick up dishes, toys, and other items.

2. Put on a pair of gloves and mask if needed.

3. Sprinkle an even layer over your carpet.

4. Use a broom and brush the flea powder into the carpet. 

5. Leave the flea powder in the carpet for at least one hour (up to 24 hours if possible).

6. Gentle vacuum the carpet. 

7. Repeat the process every two weeks until all the fleas are gone.

How to Use Boric Acid

This chemical dries out fleas and larvae. You should handle it while wearing a mask and goggles because it can cause some irritation to your lungs and eyes. You need to ensure your children or pets do not ingest the powder as well. Remember to pick up pet items like water dishes and toys to ensure you don’t accidentally sprinkle it on anything. 

1. Put pets in a safe place, and pick up dishes, toys, and other items.

2. Vacuum the carpet. 

3. Put on gloves, a mask, and goggles. 

4. Sprinkle boric acid evenly across your carpet. 

5. Use a broom to work in the boric acid. 

6. Let the carpet sit for at least one hour. 

7. Vacuum the carpet. 

8. Repeat once a day if you have a major infestation, or every other day until the fleas are gone.

Using flea spray treatments on carpets and furniture can ensure these pests are completely gone. However, you should perform a spot test first, and always ensure pets are not exposed to the spray. Always read the manufacturer's label before using a flea spray product, and wear personal protective equipment. Apply the spray directly to fibers affected by the fleas, including carpets and upholstered furniture.