Does Carpet Cleaning Really Kill Fleas?
Are you wondering: does carpet cleaning kill fleas? This is a question that many of our customers ask. And we here at El Dorado Hills based Carter’s Carpet Restoration will provide you with the answer to this commonly asked question!
The quick answer is yes, carpet cleaning does kill fleas. However, and to further confuse and complicate this issue, we need to be honest regarding this sensitive subject. While carpet cleaning does kill fleas, it won’t solve a problem of a flea infestation. Yes, the high temperature steam from a professional carpet cleaning is enough to end the life of a flea but you may want to consider the following tips if you’re looking to end an infestation.
In addition to residing in carpet, tiny little fleas often live in upholstery, pet bedding and on your pet. Carpet cleaning services will remove fleas and their eggs from your carpet, however it won’t address these other areas where fleas may be lurking. Unfortunately, there is no quick and simple fix for a flea infestation. Eliminating the fleas from your home will take a bit of work if you are dealing with a true flea infestation.
Fleas love a moist, warm environment. They can often be more of a problem in the spring months when temperatures begin to warm and there is more moisture in the air. Homes with evaporative coolers or “swamp coolers” can have more problems with fleas because of the additional moisture in the air, as well. This website is a great resource for more detailed info on fleas and their life cycle.
PRO TIP: Read these amazing carpet cleaning tips for pet owners. We know you’ll love them!
Kill Fleas on Your Pets First
The first thing to do is treat your pets for fleas and their eggs. Your vet or pet groomer can recommend a treatment that is right for your pet. Possible options will include a medicated shampoo, topical medication, flea collar, or body powder.
Wash & Vacuum to Kill Fleas
Next, you’ll want to wash and vacuum. A lot. Wash anything and everything that you can. This includes pet bedding, curtains, and upholstery cushion covers. The water from a good washing and the heat from the dryer will kill the fleas and eggs that go through the process. Vacuum carpets, area rugs, cat trees, and furniture then throw away the vacuum cleaner bag. The vacuum will suck up fleas and eggs, but don’t forget those little guys are still alive in there.
Repeat to Kill Fleas
Flea eggs that were not eliminated in the first round of treatment will begin to hatch within a day or two. They can also remain dormant for up to a year in the right conditions. You may need to re-treat your pet within a week to kill any fleas that may have hatched or were not eliminated in the first treatment. The same thing goes for washing and vacuuming, and remember to throw away the bag immediately after vacuuming.
Severe Flea Infestation
If you feel you have a severe infestation, you may want to consider a pesticide. Consult with a local pest control company or look at over the counter options. Over the counter choices include a powder that is applied to furniture and carpet prior to washing and vacuuming. The other option is a fogger, or a “bug bomb”, which fills the home with a chemical to kill the fleas. Both of these options will require you to remove pets and people from the home for a period of time.
So, to get back to the original question of does carpet cleaning kill fleas. Yes, carpet cleaning kills fleas but there are other necessary steps to eliminating a flea infestation. Treat yourself to a professional carpet cleaning after the flea problem is taken care of. The carpet cleaning will remove all the pesticides, flea bodies and dead eggs at the end of your ordeal.