Fleas are tiny wingless insects. They jump from place to place, and they are generally light brown or black. A flea’s life cycle has of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The time for the maturity of fleas from egg to adulthood depends on climatic conditions. Fleas reach maturity between two and three weeks in temperatures between 80 and 900F and 70% humidity. In other weather conditions, it can take months for fleas to mature.
Fleas are parasites that suck the blood of a host. Hosts include humans and pets such as dogs and cats. Flea bites on animals can cause intense scratching, hair loss, and red and flaky skin. It can also cause tapeworm and anemia. Flea bites in humans can cause itchy skin and rashes.
Flea infestation occurs when fleas reproduce and multiply in the house. Pets can get fleas from the grass and bring them into the home. Fleas can also hide in carpets, furniture, blankets, beddings, or floor cracks.
There are different methods of eliminating fleas. Vacuuming, steam cleaning, and washing beddings with hot water can eliminate fleas. These methods require repetition or combination with other remedies to control fleas. Methods suitable for reducing fleas drastically include home remedies, chemical treatments, and professional flea control services.
Home remedies are cost-effective, and they use ingredients found at home. This method involves using salt, baking soda, dish soap, lemon spray, or flea repelling plants. Salt and baking soda are homemade flea powder for carpets, and they are also dehydrating agents. Sprinkle salt or baking soda on furniture, carpets, and flea-infested surfaces. Rub the salt or baking soda in with a hard brush and leave for a day or two for maximum effect. Vacuum afterwards and empty the contents in a sealed plastic bag. Dispose of the bag in an outside garbage can. Vacuum regularly for best results. Dish soap is also helpful in creating flea traps. Mix dish soap and warm water in a bowl and place the bowl in flea-infested rooms. The mixture traps fleas. It is best practice to do this at night because fleas are nocturnal insects.
Lemon spray can also eliminate fleas. Cut a lemon in thin slices into a pint of water and boil. Leave the solution overnight and pour in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on flea-infested areas. Allow the surfaces to become damp but do not soak. Flea repelling plants have compounds that fleas hate and will avoid. Plants that repel fleas include chrysanthemums, lavender, eucalyptus, cloves, etc.
Chemical treatment for fleas involves using pesticides in the form of sprays or powders to eliminate fleas. There are organic and insect growth regulator (IGR) treatments. Organic treatment includes diatomaceous earth, treatments with plant-based formulas, and permethrin. Permethrin is a natural compound that is present in the chrysanthemum flower; It eliminates adult fleas.
On the other hand, insect growth regulators have active compounds that kill fleas at all stages. Insect growth regulators have compounds like methoprene, hydroprene, or pyriproxyfen. These compounds inhibit the flea cycle, killing eggs, larva, and pupa. Active components in flea treatments can be toxic to pets, especially cats. It is best practice to air rooms after using chemical treatments before allowing pets or kids to re-enter.
Professional flea control services are the most expensive. This flea control method is effective because professionals know the exact treatments to use and the proper application method. However, individuals can carry out flea control in homes when they utilize the appropriate treatment and follow the application methods on the label.
The most effective application of flea treatments on carpets includes making space by removing all furniture. Afterwards, ensure that the carpet is entirely dry before vacuuming. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly before applying sprays or powders. The next step is to spread the powder or spray it all over the floor. Spraying on the floor prevents fleas from escaping. Spread the powder over the entire carpet and use a stiff brush to rub it in and for a spray, apply until the carpet is moist. Leave the treatment to work for 24 hours. Vacuum the carpet and floors to remove all residue.
Some safety measures to follow when applying flea treatment includes following instructions on the product. Wear gloves and masks when using the treatments. Always wash your hands with soap and water after application. Also, keep pets and kids away till the product dries off. Before re-entering the treated room, ventilate.
Prevention of flea infestation includes vacuuming daily and disposing of the contents in an outdoor trash can. Always wash pets and floors weekly. Also, wash beddings frequently with soap and water.
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The 11 Best Carpet Fleas Killers in 2021 are Reviewed Below
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Below is the review of the 11 best carpet flea killers in no order. Kindly follow through to select an appropriate treatment method.
1
DiatomaceousEarth 100% organic diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic, organic, food-grade powder. This powder is from tiny fossils of diatoms that accumulate over millennia in freshwater lakes. Producing diatomaceous earth involves mining the diatoms and grinding them to powder. The powder is rich in silica and minerals. Diatomaceous earth is suitable for killing fleas, and it comes in quality packaging. Diatomaceous earth has uses as a health supplement and cleaning booster. It is helpful in deodorizers, natural exfoliators, and stain removers.
Spray diatomaceous earth on your carpet and brush it in with a brush. Leave for a few hours for maximum effect. Vacuum the carpet to remove dead fleas along with the powder. Empty in a sealed bag and dispose of in an outside trash can.
Key Features:
- Non-toxic food grade powder
- 100% organic
- Safe for pets and kids
- No additives or contaminants
- Quality, easy to transport packaging
Specification:
- Brand: DiatomaceousEarth
- Dimensions: 16 × 9 × 7 inches
- Weight: 10.3 lbs.
Pros
- Diatomaceous earth powder kills fleas in carpets
- It is non-toxic and safe even if ingested
- Packaging is by stainless steel equipment which prevents contaminants
- The powder is 100% organic. There are no additives
- The packaging is easy to transport
- Diatomaceous earth is useful as health supplements, cleaning boosters, deodorizers, stain removers, etc.
Cons
- The product clogs vacuum cleaners
- Diatomaceous earth should not be inhaled excessively, especially for people with asthma
2
Adams Flea and Tick Carpet Powder
Adams Flea and tick powder kill fleas on contact. This powder is an insect growth regulator, and it kills flea eggs, larvae, and ticks. A container is suitable for one or two rooms, and the powder provides 12-month protection. The carpet powder has a fresh citrus scent that eliminates odor.
Shake Adam’s carpet powder before use, spray evenly on carpet and surfaces. Use a hard brush to distribute the powder and leave for 24 hours before vacuuming for maximum effect. After cleaning, empty the contents in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of them in a garbage can outside the house.
Key Features:
- Powder
- Citrus scent
- Insect growth regulator
- 12 months protection
- 16 ounces container
- Two rooms coverage
Specification:
- Brand: Adams
- Dimensions: 2.5 × 2.5 × 7.56 inches
- Weight: 1 lb.
Pros
- Adams Flea and tick powder kills fleas on contact
- It is ideal for eliminating flea eggs, larvae, ticks, and adult fleas
- The fresh citrus scent eliminates odor
- The powder prevents re-infestation up to one 12 months
- A 16 ounces container can cover 400 sq. Feet space which is about two rooms
- It is suitable for indoor use
Cons
- Adams Flea and tick powder is not pet friendly
- The powder requires vacuuming at intervals. Vacuuming once can clog the vacuum cleaner
3
Biospot Active Care Carpet Powder
Biospot Active Care Carpet Powder kills fleas and ticks on contact. The powder is suitable for killing all flea eggs, larvae, pupa, adult fleas, and ticks. The Biospot carpet powder also prevents re-infestation for up to one year. The powder is non-toxic, and it has deep penetrating power.
Spread the Biospot Active Care Carpet Powder evenly on the carpet. Brush in with a stiff brush and leave for few hours before vacuuming. Vacuum the powder and dispose of it appropriately.
Key Features:
- Non-toxic powder
- Strong scent
- Long-lasting protection
Specification:
- Brand: Biospot
- Dimensions: 2.5 × 2.5 × 7.56 inches
- Weight: 1 lb.
Pros
- The powder kills insects on contact
- It is ideal for killing all stages of fleas, from eggs to adult.
- It provides long-lasting protection and prevents re-infestation up to one year
Cons
- It is not a pet and kids friendly
- Always use a mask when vacuuming. Avoid inhalation
4
Virbac Knockout Area Treatment Carpet Spray
Virbac Knockout carpet spray is an insect growth regulator that kills flea eggs, larva, pupa and adult fleas. The spray prevents re-infestation for up to 7 months. The Virbac Knockout carpet spray leaves no stain, odor or mess. It has a deep penetrating power, and it is suitable for carpets, upholstery, beddings, rugs, and drapes. The spray comes in a 16-ounces container, and it can cover 2100 square feet of carpet area. Check the spray’s label for directions of use.
Key Features:
- Insect growth regulator
- 16 oz. Container for 2100 square feet of carpet
- Seven months protection
- Deep penetrating power.
- No stain
- No odor
Specification:
- Brand: Virbac
- Dimensions: 2.5 × 9.5 × 9.5 inches
- Weight: 1 lb.
Pros
- The spray is suitable for killing flea eggs, larvae, pupa, and adult fleas
- A 16 ounces capacity container can cover a 2100 square feet carpet area
- The spray offers prevention against re-infestation up to 7 months
- There is a deep penetrating power. The spray is ideal for furniture, carpets, beddings, rugs, etc.
- The spray does not stain furnishings
- There is no odor or mess from using the spray
Cons
- The spray is not pet friendly. It is incredibly toxic for cats
5
Raid Flea Killer Plus Room and Carpet Spray
Raid flea killer is an instant action flea killer. It is suitable for killing flea eggs, larvae, pupa and adult fleas. Raid flea killer is ideal for furniture, upholstery, and carpet. The spray has a wide-angle nozzle for easy spraying and application. The spray works upside down, and it does not stain water-safe fabrics.
When applying the spray, hold 2.5 feet away from the carpet or surface, and use upside down. The spray gives four-month protection against re-infestation. The spray comes in a pack of two.
Key Features:
- Four months protection
- Insect growth regulator
- Wide-angle nozzle
- Non-stain
- Pack of two
Specification:
- Brand: Raid
- Dimensions: 9.5 × 5.5 × 2.5 inches
- Weight: 1 lb.
Pros
- The spray is suitable for carpets, furniture, and upholstery
- It is ideal for killing all stages of the flea
- There is a wide-angle nozzle that allows easy application of the spray
- The spray works upside down
- There is a four months protection against re-infestation
- The spray does not stain water-safe fabric
- It is available in a pack of two
Cons
- There is a slight odor.
6
Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray
The Vet’s best spray is a plant-based spray with no harsh chemicals. The spray has a water-based formula, and it has of natural essential oils. It has no fragrance, and it is suitable for use on dogs. The spray is applicable both indoors and outdoors, and it does not stain surfaces. There is a warranty on the spray for manufacturer defects.
Spray Vet’s best treatment uniformly. It should be a light mist till the surfaces are moist. Avoid soaking. Allow the spray to dry before re-entering the room. Use all year round for the best results.
Key Features:
- Plant-based ingredients
- No harsh chemicals
- Water-based formulas
- Natural essential oils
- No fragrance
- Warranty
Specification:
- Brand: Vet’s best
- Dimensions: 3.38 × 3.38 × 0.81 inches
- Weight: 2 lbs.
Pros
- The spray is from plant-based ingredients, and it has no harsh chemicals
- The formula is water-based, and it does not stain surfaces
- The spray has natural essential oils
- There’s no fragrance
- The spray is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- It is pet friendly, especially for dogs
Cons
- Vet’s best spray is more suitable as a preventative measure
- Use the spray with other insecticides for better results
7
Zodiac Carpet and Upholstery Aerosol Spray
Zodiac carpet and upholstery spray is a water-based insect growth regulator. The spray has a fast-acting formula that kills fleas on contact. It offers long-lasting protection against re-infestation for seven months, and it does not have any odor or stain. Zodiac spray is suitable for carpets, upholstery, floors, etc.
Vacuum the carpet thoroughly before applying the spray. Spray the carpet till it’s moist. Leave to dry. Vacuum the carpet and empty the contents of the vacuum cleaner in a plastic bag. Seal the plastic bag and dispose in a garbage can outside the house. For the best result, do this frequently to eliminate fleas.
Key Features:
- 100% water-based spray
- Insect growth regulator
- Fast-acting formula
- Seven months protection
- No odor
Specification:
- Brand: Zodiac
- Dimensions: 2.5 × 2.5 × 9.5 inches
- Weight: 1 lb.
Pros
- The spray has a water-based formula. It does not stain surfaces
- Due to the insect growth regulator component, the spray kills all four stages of fleas
- The fast-acting formula enables the spray to kill fleas on contact
- The spray offers a seven month, long-lasting protection against re-infestation
- It does not have any odor
Cons
- The spray is not pet friendly
8
Fleabusters Rx for Fleas Plus
Fleabusters Rx for Fleas Plus is from borate powder. It has a fine texture, and it kills larva and young fleas. The flea carpet powder also provides one-year protection against re-infestation. Due to the large size of the container, it is suitable for treating an ample space. The powder has low toxicity, and there’s a one-year money-back guarantee.
Spread the flea carpet powder over the flea-infested area and use a brush to rub it in. Leave the treatment for 24 hours. Vacuum the carpet, empty the contents in a plastic bag, and dispose of the bag immediately in a garbage can outside the house.
Key Features:
- Fine borate powder
- One year protection
- One year money-back guarantee
- Low toxicity
- Large treatment space
Specification:
- Brand: Fleabusters
- Dimensions: 7 × 4 × 4 inches
- Weight: 3 lbs.
Pros
- The powder is suitable for killing larva and young fleas
- There’s one-year protection against re-infestation
- Fleabusters offer a one-year money-back guarantee on the product
- The borate powder has a low toxicity level
- Due to its size, the powder is suitable for treating an ample space
- Kids and pet friendly
Cons
- The powder does not kill adult fleas
- The powder requires additional insecticide to eradicate all four stages of a flea
- It is not cat friendly
- Although the powder has low toxicity, excessive inhalation is dangerous
9
PetArmor Home Carpet Powder
PetArmor carpet powder is a flea killer for carpet. It is a pet-friendly powder that kills all four stages of the flea. A 16-ounce container of the powder can treat an area between 200 and 400 square feet. It works within 24 hours and prevents re-infestation for 12 months. The powder also works as a deodorizer.
Vacuum the carpet before applying the treatment. Shake the powder over the flea-infested areas and spread evenly. Leave for 24 hours and vacuum the carpet. Empty the contents of the vacuum cleaner in a sealable plastic bag. Dispose of the bag in a garbage can outside the house.
Key Features:
- Insect growth regulator
- 12 months protection
- 200 to 400 square feet application area
- Works within 24 hours
Specification:
- Brand: PetArmor
- Dimensions: 7.13 × 3.05 × 3.05 inches
- Weight: 1lb.
Pros
- The powder is a carpet flea treatment
- It is a deodorizer
- The powder works within 24 hours
- It kills all four stages of the flea
- It has an application area between 200 and 400 square feet
- The powder prevents re-infestation for 12 months
- It is pet friendly
Cons
- The powder is not cat friendly
10
Enforcer Flea Killer for Carpet
Enforcer Flea Killer for Carpet is one of the best flea killers for home. The flea killer is in powder form, and it is available in the ocean breeze and fresh linen fragrances. It is suitable for all types of floors and furniture. Enforcer Flea Killer is quick-acting, and it works within 30 minutes. A one-pound container is ideal for five carpets. This flea killer is suitable for eliminating pests and breaking the life cycle of fleas.
Before using the Enforcer Flea Killer, vacuum the carpet. Afterwards, sprinkle the flea killer on the carpet and vacuum—empty contents of the vacuum cleaner in a sealable plastic bag. Dispose of the bag in a garbage can outside the house.
Key Features:
- Deodorizer
- Powder flea treatment
- Quick-acting
Specification:
- Brand: Enforcer
- Dimensions: 3.13 × 3.13 × 8.13 inches
- Weight: 1 lb.
Pros
- The Enforcer Flea killer is quick-acting. It works within 30 minutes
- The powder breaks the life cycle of fleas. It is suitable for eliminating fleas, ticks, and other pests.
- It is a deodorizer, and it leaves a fresh scent. It is available in the ocean breeze and fresh linen fragrances
- It is suitable for all types of floors and furniture
- A one-pound container can treat five carpets of 10 by 10 feet size each.
Cons
- The powder has a poor packaging
- For effective results, it is better to use other insect growth regulator in combination with the Enforcer Flea Killer
11
Natural Care Flea and Tick Carpet Powder
Natural care flea carpet powder is an organic powder from plant extracts such as mint oil and geraniol. It kills all stages of flea, ticks, and ants. The powder does not stain surfaces, and it leaves a fresh scent after use. There are no harsh chemicals, and it is safe for dogs and cats 12 weeks or older. A nine-ounce container can treat about 800 square feet
Natural Care Flea and tick carpet powder are suitable for carpets, floors, upholstery, and beddings. Before application on carpets and floors, turn off all fans. Ensure that the surface is dry. Hold the container about 2 feet from the surface and away from the body. Shake the container gently and apply evenly over the surface. For upholstery and beddings, sprinkle the powder along creases and corners. Vacuum the surface after one hour. Empty the contents in a plastic bag and dispose of them immediately in a garbage can outside the house. For severe infestations, leave the powder for 24 hours before vacuuming. Also, apply the powder to eliminate a flea infestation.
Key Features:
- Organic flea carpet powder
- Plant extracts
- Breaks flea life cycle
- Does not stain
- Works on contact
- No harsh chemicals
- Fresh scent
- 800 square feet application area
Specification:
- Brand: Natural Care
- Dimensions: 3.6 × 3.6 × 8.75 inches
- Weight: 0.62 lbs.
Pros
- The carpet powder is organic and from plant extracts such as mint oil and geraniol
- It works on contact
- The carpet flea treatment is suitable for killing all stages of flea, tick, and ants
- It does not stain
- The powder does not contain any harsh chemicals, and it is suitable for dogs and cats that are 12 weeks or older
- A container is suitable for treating 800 square feet area
- The powder leaves a fresh scent after application
- It is ideal for carpets, upholstery, and beddings
Cons
- Vacuum at intervals. The powder can clog the vacuum cleaner.
- The powder requires frequent use before controlling infestation totally
- The strong scent may not be suitable for people with asthma
Buying Guide Questions
Below are answers to frequently asked queries regarding flea killers for carpets. Kindly follow through.
What is the fastest way to get rid of fleas in a carpet?
There are different treatments for fleas on the carpet. Homemade remedies, chemical powders, and sprays are all effective treatments in getting rid of fleas. However, chemical sprays and powders have active ingredients that kill all flea stages; egg, larva, pupa and adult flea.
What can I spray on carpet to kill fleas?
There are home remedies suitable for getting rid of fleas. You can make use of salt or baking soda. Sprinkle salt or baking soda on the carpet. Brush in the salt or baking soda into the carpet and leave for few hours. Follow this procedure with a thorough vacuuming.
You can also make use of flea sprays or powders. Sprinkle or spray the flea treatment on the carpet. Leave for a few hours for maximum effect. Vacuum thoroughly. Some of the best flea treatments include Adams flea and tick home spray, advantage carpet and upholstery spot spray, Bio spot Active care flea and tick powder, etc.
How do I get rid of fleas ASAP?
There are various methods of getting rid of fleas. These methods include home remedies or chemical treatments. Methods of eliminating fleas include vacuuming, cleaning with a steam cleaner, and washing beddings or carpets in hot water. Chemical treatments include sprays or powders containing compounds such as permethrin and methoprene. Chemical treatments get rid of not only adult fleas but the eggs, larvae, and pupae.
Does vacuuming get rid of fleas?
Vacuuming is a home remedy for flea control. Although vacuuming gets rid of fleas, you have to vacuum every other day for a period between three and eight weeks to control flea infestation. When cleaning, use an extension wand attachment to be able to reach corners and crevices. After vacuuming, empty the contents into a sealed bag. Dispose of the bag immediately in an outside garbage can.
Will getting rid of carpet get rid of fleas?
Getting rid of flea-infested carpets can only reduce infestation. Fleas lay eggs on different surfaces such as bedspreads, pets, furniture, blankets, etc. These eggs hatch to larvae between one and 12 days, and they mature to adulthood between two and three weeks.
Does baking soda kill fleas in a carpet?
Yes. Baking soda is a dying agent. Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet and brush it in with a hard brush. Leave for few hours for maximum effect. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly and empty the contents in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of them in an outside trash can. Baking soda removes fleas from the carpet fibers.
How do you make homemade flea spray?
You can make a flea spray with natural ingredients such as vinegar, water, witch hazel and lemon juice. For the spray, mix 2 liters of vinegar with 1 liter of water, 250 ml lemon juice, and 125 ml witch hazel in a spray bottle. Vacuum the surfaces that need spraying and dispose of the contents in an outside garbage can after vacuuming. Spray all surfaces after cleaning.
What is the strongest flea killer?
The strongest flea killers contain permethrin, dinotefuran, or imidacloprid. These compounds are active compounds that can kill adult fleas. Flea killers also have methoprene or pyriproxyfen. These compounds are insect growth regulators, and they get rid of flea eggs and larvae. The best flea killers in the market include Zoecon Precor Spray, Vet’s best flea and tick spray, etc.
What do fleas hate the most?
Fleas hate strong odors from certain plants. The plants include eucalyptus, cloves, citrus, citronella, peppermint, and chrysanthemums. They are also helpful as natural flea repellents
Can you ever really get rid of fleas?
Yes. You can get rid of fleas permanently by using pesticides. Use pesticides that contain insect growth regulator (IGR). IGR inhibits the growth of flea eggs and larvae.
Conclusion
Fleas are blood-sucking, wingless insects. Flea bites can cause itches, scratchy skin, and rashes. There are flea killers that help inhibit the growth of fleas and also control infestations. This article is a review of the 11 best carpet flea killers. Flea killers can be in spray or powder form. Do well to follow through and to select the ones that best suit your needs.