I'm looking for budget-friendly ways to eliminate fleas from a thick carpet in my parents' home. They've recently dealt with a mild flea issue after our outdoor cat brought them inside, but instead of using conventional treatments, they're attempting home remedies that haven't worked out well. Currently, whenever I step into the carpeted room, it's an absolute nightmare—I'm almost covered in fleas after just a short visit.
The room has nonporous furniture that I can move outside for treatment, and I understand that adult fleas can survive for weeks without food while eggs and pupae can remain dormant for over 100 days. My plan is to wear full protective gear and perhaps use duct tape to trap fleas as well. After moving the furniture, I intend to spray the carpet, cover it with a thick plastic tarp, and spray again, allowing it to sit for a few days. The indoor cat will be taken to the vet for treatment as well.
Any thoughts or suggestions on this plan? I want to keep the situation manageable without ripping up the carpet right now.
3 Answers
You might want to consider a clever DIY trap! Take a shallow plate or even a frisbee, fill it with water and a tiny bit of dish soap. Then, place a lamp nearby pointing downwards. The fleas will jump towards the light and land in the soapy water, which will drown them. It's a cheap and surprisingly effective way to catch a bunch of them! Just make sure to put the trap where fleas are likely hiding. While this will help, don't forget that you'll need to tackle the eggs with some kind of spray as well since they can stay dormant for a while.
Getting your pets on flea medicine is definitely priority number one! After that, I recommend using a steam cleaner, as it’s great for killing eggs. I've had decent success with using a natural peppermint oil spray in combination with steaming. Don’t forget to regularly wash any fabrics, such as bedding and clothes, at least once a week for about three months, because those pesky eggs like to hide in them!
Your approach sounds solid overall! Just a heads up, don't neglect the rest of the house. Fleas can get into any fabric, so you should also treat your furniture and other fabric items. It might take multiple rounds of treatment to fully get rid of them. Also, once your pets are treated, make sure to have them wear flea collars to prevent re-infestation. Good luck with the cleanup!
I've tried this method! It works like a charm, especially during infestations. Just remember, it won't solve the entire problem since those eggs can hide and hatch later, so keep up with your treatment plan.