Last Updated: 20/07/2026
How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your Home
A vet's step-by-step guide to clearing fleas from your carpets, bedding and furniture, so the infestation doesn't keep coming back.
Author: Dr Olivia Clarke BSc BVMS MANZCVS (Unusual Pets, Avian)
Reading Time: 4 minutes - short read
Feeling frustrated that you can't get rid of your pet's fleas? Here's why: the problem isn't on your pet, it’s all around your home.
Fleas spend up to 95% of their lifecycle in the environment, not on your dog or cat. So treating your pet alone leaves thousands of eggs, larvae and pupae behind in your carpets, bedding and furniture, ready to reinfest within days. To truly clear an infestation, you need to treat both your pet and their environment. Here's how to get rid of fleas in the house for good.
Why do you need to treat your home for fleas?
Because only around 5% of a flea problem is the adult fleas you see on your pet! The other 95% of fleas live in your home as eggs, larvae and pupae in carpet fibres, floorboards, bedding and under furniture. That's why an infestation returns when you only treat the animal. Clearing the environment at the same time as treating your dog for fleas is what actually breaks the cycle. For the bigger picture on the parasite itself, see our full guide to fleas on dogs, or our guide to fleas on cats.
How should you vacuum to get rid of fleas?
Vacuum thoroughly every day during an infestation. The suction lifts eggs and larvae out of carpet and encourages dormant pupae to hatch, so your treatments can reach them. Focus on:
- Carpets, rugs and along skirting boards
- Under and behind furniture, and sofa cushions
- Your pet's favourite resting and sleeping spots
- Hard floors and any cracks between boards
Afterwards, seal and bin the vacuum bag straight away, or empty a bagless canister into an outside bin, so trapped fleas can't escape back into the room.
What should you wash to remove fleas?
Wash everything your pet lies on. Pet bedding, blankets and any soft furnishings they share should go through a hot wash at 60°C, which kills fleas at every life stage. Do this weekly during an infestation. Anything that can't be washed, like large cushions, should be vacuumed well and sprayed.
Should you use a flea spray or flea bomb?
A household flea spray is usually the more reliable and targeted choice.
Look for one that contains both an adulticide and an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as (S)-methoprene or pyriproxyfen, which stops eggs and larvae developing. Spray carpets, skirting, pet bedding areas and under furniture where fleas hide. Foggers or "bombs" can struggle to reach these sheltered spots, so a directed spray often works better.
Whichever you choose, apply it safely: remove ALL pets (including fish and birds) from the home, keep children away, ventilate well, and do not allow pets back in until the product is completely dry. Ensure you follow the product label exactly. You can shop home flea sprays here. Alternatively, you can consult a professional pest control company.
Do you need to treat all your pets at the same time?
Yes. Every cat and dog in the home needs to be on effective, vet-recommended flea control at the same time, otherwise an untreated pet keeps seeding new eggs and undoes your work. Keep all pets on year-round flea prevention, not just when you spot a problem. It's the simplest way to stop the next infestation.
How long does it take to get rid of fleas in your home?
It can take up to three months. Flea pupae can lie dormant and protected in their cocoons for weeks, hatching gradually, so you'll often see new fleas appear even after a thorough clean. This is normal. Keep vacuuming, washing bedding and treating every pet, and numbers steadily drop to zero. If fleas persist, or your pet is scratching, losing fur or developing red, irritated skin, check in with your vet, as some pets need extra help with flea allergies.
Home Flea Treatment FAQs
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Wed July 1 2026
Written by Dr Olivia Clarke BSc BVMS MANZCVS (Unusual Pets, Avian)Dr Olivia Clarke BSc BVMS MANZCVS (Unusual Pets, Avian)
Veterinarian
Dr Olivia graduated from Murdoch University in 2015 and worked in Western Australia before moving to Sydney to work in specialist practice as an avian and exotics veterinarian. Olivia has thoroughly enjoyed the diversity of species and interesting cases in her time as an exotics veterinarian. She has a particular soft spot for rabbits and thoroughly enjoys all aspects of rabbit medicine and surgery. She also has many years of experience working with dogs and cats as well as an array of wildlife.
