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How to Kill Fleas When They Are Getting on Humans

Fleas are wingless, flat-bodied parasites that live off the blood of animals such as cats and dogs and can jump onto humans. Fleas can cause infections and allergies in and spread tapeworms to humans, according to the Ohio State University Extension (see Reference 1). People who are bitten by a flea often develop a rash or hives. If fleas have become a problem on an animal or within a home, there are a number of repellents and medications that can be used to get rid of the parasites.

Things You'll Need

  • Insecticide or adulticide
  • Insect growth regulator
  • Flea bombs
  • Vacuum
  • Flea collar, spray or medication
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Instructions

  1. Flea Removal

    • 1

      Vacuum your home, especially the floors and furniture where your pet lies down, to get rid of flea eggs and larvae. Vacuum baseboards, ventilators, registers and other areas where pet hair accumulates regularly because these areas are likely to hold flea eggs.

    • 2

      To keep flea eggs from hatching and larvae from further developing, spray a hormone known as an insect growth regulator on your carpets, furniture and yard. Some types of insect regulators that you can use are Precor, Nylor or Archer. Because an insect growth regulator will not get rid of adult fleas, mix it with an adulticide such as Suspend SC or Permethrin Pro.

    • 3

      To get rid of adult fleas in your home, use an insecticide such as Raid, Demize or Siphotrol. After applying the insecticide to areas in and around where your pet sits and sleeps, keep humans and pets off treated areas until it dries.

    • 4

      Another option for getting rid of adult fleas is flea bombs, which release pesticides into a room. This option allows you to quickly release chemicals into different parts of infested rooms, but you need to leave your home for eight hours, according to Orkin.com (see Reference 2).

    • 5

      Around the same time that you use insecticide in your home, take your pet to a veterinarian to get him treated for fleas because he is likely the reason that parasites are bothering you and others in your home. There are prescription sprays, shampoos, collars, pills and other products that can be used to prevent or treat fleas on animals. Mike Potter of the University of Kentucky Department of Agriculture says that some products, such as Advantage and Frontline, can keep fleas off from pets for one to three months (see Reference 3).

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