- LAST UPDATED: November 30, 2023
Ugh, fleas. An experienced pet owner knows – pets can bring fleas in the house. Where there is one flea, there can be thousands of them. And where there are thousands of fleas, there is an infestation. But what to do in case you have no pets on your property? And is it possible to have fleas in a pet-free house?
Even though these little insects are usually associated with dogs and cats, chances are you can have lots of fleas even if your house is pet-free. So, what methods are the best for flea control, and how kill these small nasty creatures? Get the latest information right now!
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Fleas, but No Pets?
Most people are surprised to learn their pet-free house is infested with nasty fleas. Can you have fleas without pets? This is a commonly asked question.
Buildings can be infested with fleas even when there are no pets around. The reason is simple – other animals may be the source of the infestation. Squirrels, raccoons, bats, wild cats and dogs, roof rats commonly nest in structures. And this is usually the main reason why you have fleas inside your property.
Top 3 Reasons Why You Have Fleas in Your Pet-Free House
For most homeowners “fleas without pets” is a reality.
Below there are 3 main reasons you have fleas in a house without pets:
- The previous owner of your house had animals that had fleas, which were left in the carpets.
- Pests like rats, mice, raccoons and squirrels can bring about fleas.
- Neighborhood dogs or cats like to lounge near your property.
The best way to get rid of fleas in your house is to consult an experienced Pest Control Company that can seal all the openings through which wildlife may enter your house and treat the house for fleas.
Pest Control Company
If you don’t want to handle a flea problem on your own, it’s better to turn to Pest Control Company. Usually, this is the best way to treat your flea problem. Why? Pest professionals can treat both indoor and outdoor areas.
What you need to do just prior before treatment:
- Thoroughly vacuum all areas where blood-sucking fleas were identified.
- Remove debris or litter – common flea hiding places – around the structure.
Those who have pets should:
- Wash and dry animal bedding at the hottest temperature.
- Remove pet feeding dishes and any related items.
Have a great number of annoying fleas on your carpet? Don’t know how to eliminate them? Read this to know how – learn what the best flea sprays for excellent knockdown of insects.
What do They Eat and Why do They Bite?
Fleas are parasites. It means they feed on the blood of the host animal – a cat, a dog, etc. – by biting and sucking blood. The primary goal of an adult flea is to find blood and then reproduce.
When it comes to cat fleas, these insects feed on cats, dogs, outdoor animals – foxes, opossums, rodents – and on humans. In most cases feeding on a pet takes place when it is sleeping. If fleas cannot find the animals whose blood they prefer, these insects will feed on the blood of whatever other creatures are available.
What Eats Fleas?
Once fleas have infested an area, they are difficult to get rid of. However, keeping the flea population under control before it becomes a huge problem can help in the long run. Those who have a flea infestation in the yard should know what bugs and insects can eat those troublesome fleas. By having these 4 insects in your yard you can crack the problem of fleas infesting your house.
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Nematodes
These microscopic worms work best in sandy soil. Nematodes can reduce the flea population by up to 80 %. These creatures are usually effective in about 24 hours. We suggest purchasing this:
25 Million Live Beneficial Nematodes Sc – Flea Exterminator
Effectiveness: Beneficial Nematodes are natural and the most efficient way to battle soil pests. They like eating fleas and you can use them in your yard. Apply the solution directly using a pump sprayer, a watering can or backpack. Release Nematodes early in the morning. 
Fire ants
Though fire ants are known to bite leaving a red bump that itches and burns, they are beneficial for flea control. Fire ants can help you to eliminate fleas as they feed on flea larvae and fleas.- Spiders
Do spiders eat fleas? Yes, they do. In fact, they will eat any insect that finds its way into the spider’s web. - Lady bugs
Ladybugs are very effective for pest control as they normally eat about 60 insects a day. They prefer to feed on the soft body’s insects such as mealybugs, mites, and fleas.
Fire ants
Spiders
Lady bugsWhy It is so Difficult to Get Rid of Fleas?
I can’t get rid of fleas! Frankly speaking you are not the one who is frustrated with the efforts to treat flea infestation.
The main reason is the fact that the cocoon stage of the life cycle is resistant to all insecticides. People use different solutions, and then in 1 to 2 weeks, the flea infestation returns.
This is because the “new” flea adults are emerging from the insecticide-resistant pupa or cocoon.
The reason is as simple as that – these “survivors” are newly emerged adults. To eliminate all the fleas you need to vacuum.
Why? Vacuuming stimulates the insecticide-resistant pupae to hatch. So the newly emerged flea adults will come in contact with insecticide sooner.
Indoor and outdoor areas are those source points that are heavily used by pets and are highly infested with fleas. 95% of the flea infestation is in these source points. Not only do you need to adequately treat these areas but also retreat them one to two weeks after the initial application of insecticide.
Top 5 Best Products for Successful Fleas’ Elimination in House without Pets
How to get rid of fleas in the house without pets? It is really hard to say what the best solution to remove fleas is. Below there are the most efficient options to pick from:
1. Indorex Flea Spray by Virbac – Best Flea Spray (UK only)
Effectiveness: Indorex contains a combination of three active ingredients one of which is Permethrin. It kills adult fleas and prevents flea eggs and larvae from developing into adults. Indorex provides continuous protection for up to 1 year. The product is very effective at killing all fleas but make sure that you wear a facemask and rubber gloves.
2. Extra Long Lasting Household Flea Spray by Beaphar – Best Spray for Killing Fleas and Larvae (UK only)
Effectiveness: This excellent household flea spray contains a modern insect growth regulator and a rapid knock-down insecticide for long-lasting control of larval and adult fleas. With this superior product, you can kill adult fleas within hours.
How to use: Vacuum floors (carpets) before treatment. Apply spray to areas where fleas are likely to be.
Before using the products to eliminate fleas, you are to know that the insects you have a problem with are really fleas. Read this to know how these blood-sucking insects look like and how to recognize them.
Best Pesticides for Flea Control
Consider applying pesticides for flea control to infested furniture and carpets. The key is to use the right product with an insect growth regulator. Look for products that can disrupt the flea life cycle, so the fleas won’t be able to reproduce in your home.
Such products should contain:
- Pyriproxyfen,
- Methoprene.
So what products can be used in the process of fleas’ exclusion?
We suggest purchasing one of these excellent options:
3. Precor IGR Insect Growth Regulator
Effectiveness: The product is effective against eggs and larval fleas. Good for indoor control only of pre-adult fleas.
While for some people flea bombs sound like the best option, they are often ineffective. Their chemicals often don’t reach sheltered areas where fleas may hide.
What’s more flea bombs can contaminate food preparatory surfaces.
4. BAYER Suspend Polyzone Insecticide
Active Ingredient: Deltamethrin 4.75%
For use in: outdoor and indoor areas.
Effectiveness: the product has a long-lasting residual that lasts up to three months after application. When sprayed, Suspend Sc leaves a clear residue.
5. Effective Combination of Products to Eliminate Fleas in about 3 Days
To kill multiple stages of larvae growth use a flea powder for carpets in combination with one of the previously mentioned insecticides or repellents.
We suggest using PT Ultracide Pressurized Flea Insecticide that kills adult fleas and prevents the formation of new adults from larvae or eggs in combination with Fleabusters Rx for Fleas Plus that works great on carpets and under cushions of upholstered furniture.
- Active Ingredients: 0.4% Permethrin, 0.1% Pyripoxyfen, 0.05% Pyrethrins
- Prevents re-infestation of fleas for 7 months
- Pet safe formula
- Active Ingredient: 64% Orthoboric Acid
- Apply to carpets, baseboards and area rugs
How to use: Apply “Fleabusters Rx for Fleas Plus” powder over dry carpeted areas, under beds and furniture. Leave the powder for 5 days and then vacuum treated areas. Spray “PT Ultracide” in problem areas. Re-apply after 14 days if new fleas continue to emerge.
Conclusion
If you have fleas in your house – even if there are no pets – it is essential to identify flea “hot spots” and concentrate control efforts in those problem areas. A successful flea program must involve a thorough cleaning for efficient removal of eggs, larvae, and pupae and proper application of flea control products.
