How to Kill Fleas in a Home With Hardwood Floors

If you own pets, you probably have had some experience with fleas. Fleas prefer eating animal blood, but humans will suffice if necessary. These pests procreate within days, hiding in carpets and pet beds, as well as the cracks and crevices of hardwood floors. They prefer moist, temperate climates and thrive in environments with plenty of hiding spaces to avoid the light. Flea infestation requires an integrated approach to extermination that kills the fleas in your home and on your pets.

Things You'll Need

• Flea bombs
• Vacuum
• Plastic bags
• Flea and tick spot treatment
• Washcloths

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Instructions

• 1

  Give your pet a flea dip. Fill the bathtub with water up to--but not higher than--his neck. Hosing your pet down or giving him a shower won't drown the fleas. Apply the flea dip in the water as directed. Reach into the bath and massage your pet's fur so the water permeates all the layers of hair. Cover his eyes with a dry washcloth, and saturate his neck and face with another washcloth. Allow your pet to soak for the recommended time before drying him off. Do nit shampoo him immediately after the flea dip; this will dilute the chemical exterminate. Wait 24 hours and apply spot treatment on your pet to protect against future infestations.

• 2

  Wash all pet bedding and clothing in your home. Use the hottest water possible; the temperature must be at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit to kill the fleas and their eggs. Dry the laundry for at least 20 minutes on the highest heat setting to kill any remaining fleas, eggs or larvae.

• 3

  Vacuum and steam clean the carpets. Vacuum all hardwood floors. Select an attachment that affords the most suction on hardwood and vacuum the entire wood floor surface, paying extra attention to boards with crevices and cracks. Vacuum the baseboards and any connecting wood where the fleas might hide. Seal the vacuum contents in a plastic bag and dispose of it outside your home immediately to prevent the fleas from escaping and re-infesting your home.

• 4

  Detonate flea bombs in rooms with carpeting and hardwood. You must vacate your home for at least three to four hours. Remove any other animals in your home during the fumigation such as fish, rabbits or mice. Seal all the windows, place the bomb on the hardwood floor or carpeting in the center of the room and release the spray. Flea bombs are available at any major hardwood or home improvement store in the pet section.