Carpets, with their warm and cozy fibers, make a perfect home for these uninvited pests. They’re a cozy home for fleas, providing everything they need to live and breed. And it can get very frustrating to get them out of carpets!
How do you disinfect carpet from fleas? The process of disinfecting your carpet from fleas involves multiple steps.
- Begin by vacuuming your carpet thoroughly. Paying special attention to the areas under furniture and along baseboards where fleas often reside.
- Apply salt, baking soda, or Dichotomous Earth on your carpet.
- Finally, consider investing in a flea growth regulator. This substance halts the lifecycle of fleas, preventing them from maturing and reproducing.
Table of Contents
We’ll focus on a DIY Flea Killer For Carpets. It’s cheaper, environmentally friendly, and as effective as chemical sprays. Ready to evict these tiny trespassers? Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!
Causes of Fleas in Carpets
Carpets can become infested with fleas due to pets or animals that have been in your home. Fleas prefer warm, humid environments and can jump from hosts (like your pets) to your carpet.
Flea eggs and larvae can also hide deep in carpet fibers. Moreover, if you’ve recently moved into a new place, previous infestations could be the cause.
How long do fleas live in carpet? Fleas can live on your carpet for several months in the right conditions. The exact lifespan depends on the stage of the flea’s life cycle.
Flea larvae can live in the carpet for several weeks before pupating. Once they’re in the pupa stage, they can remain dormant for months before emerging as adult fleas.
How do I know if my carpet is infested with fleas?
If your carpet is infested with fleas, you might notice small black specks embedded in the carpet, known as flea dirt (essentially flea droppings).
Another sign is an increase in itching or bites on you or your pets. Adult fleas are small and can be hard to spot, but they can be seen by the naked eye as tiny dark spots that jump or move quickly.
Top 3 DIY Flea Killer For Carpets
Vacuuming is one of the most effective steps you can take against fleas. But you can make your vacuuming even more effective.
Three separate household items are very effective in killing fleas. You don’t need to add all three ingredients, simply choose one of them and use it to help kill the fleas in your carpet and floors.
Let’s take a closer look at the best flea killer for carpets.
#1 Home Remedy For Fleas In Your Carpet: Salt
Salt is very bad for fleas. It dries them out and kills them.
In order for salt to be the most effective, it should be very fine salt. Finely ground sea salt will work the best.
You should have salt that is fine enough to not to show crystals. If you use table salt- try blending it in your blender in small quantities to break it down further.
Steps:
- Sprinkle the salt into your carpet. you need to leave it on the carpet for at least 24 to 48 hours.
- Vacuum the carpet thoroughly after 24 or 48 hours.
- After vacuuming, spread more salt into your carpets. You will kill more fleas and vacuum up dead and live fleas to help contain them.
#2 Home Remedy For Fleas: Baking Soda
Another effective remedy that kills fleas is baking soda. Baking soda harms hatched fleas and prevents them from growing or reproducing.
Steps:
- Sprinkle baking soda into your carpets. Use a hard brush to brush the soda deeper into your carpets.
- Let it sit for two days, and vacuum up. This will help you to more quickly control the fleas living in your carpets and rugs.
Baking soda alone cannot kill fleas, but it can be used as part of a comprehensive flea control strategy. Sprinkling baking soda on your carpets can dry out flea eggs and larvae, making your vacuuming more effective
#3 Home Remedy That Kills Fleas: Dichotomous Earth
DE powder is a fine off-white powder, otherwise known as diatomaceous earth. It is fossilized remains of marine phytoplankton. Their skeletons are made up of a natural substance called silica.
It basically shreds their exoskeleton.
How does it work?
Diatomaceous earth works through the silica, which causes the insects to dry out and die by absorbing fats and oils from the cuticles of the insect’s exoskeleton. It’s microscopic sharp edges are abrasive, which speeds up the process.
Steps:
- Vacuum the carpet thoroughly before applying DE.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of DE over your carpet. You can use a dusting applicator or simply shake it out gently from the bag. Try to cover the carpet evenly.
- Allow the DE to sit on your carpet for at least 24 hours (48 hours is even better) to ensure enough time to kill the fleas.
- After you’ve let it sit, vacuum your carpet thoroughly. Be sure to empty your vacuum bag or canister outside your home to prevent any surviving fleas from re-infesting your carpet.
DE comes in food-grade and non-food-grade quality. If you are using it in your home, I’d purchase the food-grade DE. Also, be aware that breathing DE can cause itching and other issues for many people.
So, use it with care. That’s why it’s last on the list instead of first.
Related Question
Will vinegar kill fleas? While vinegar can help deter fleas, it is not known to kill them. The strong smell of vinegar can make it an effective natural flea repellent and soothe flea bites on pets and humans. However, vinegar alone won’t eradicate a flea infestation.
Will soapy water kill fleas in carpet? Soapy water can kill fleas by breaking down their exoskeleton and drowning them, but it’s not practical for treating an entire carpet. This method is most effective when used as a trap. You can place a dish of soapy water under a light source overnight to attract and drown fleas.
Is there a flea shampoo for carpets? While there isn’t a specific “flea shampoo” for carpets, numerous flea sprays and powders are designed for carpet treatment. These are made to kill fleas at all stages of their life cycle.
Conclusion
Remember, our DIY flea killers are just tools in your arsenal. Winning the war against fleas involves a multi-pronged approach. Keep up with regular treatments for your pets, consider other areas of your home and yard that may need attention, and, most importantly, stay vigilant and consistent in your efforts.
