How to Get Rid of Fleas

Medically Reviewed by Vanesa Farmer, DVM on November 19, 2024
Written by Camille Noe Pagán
6 min read

Fleas are common pests that affect dogs, cats, and their owners. These small insects feed on the blood of their host. About one-eighth of an inch long, fleas are tiny wingless creatures but can jump nearly 150 times their body length.

Fleas are not only tiny but also quick. You might not even notice they’re present. Some pets are more sensitive to flea bites than others. The insects’ saliva causes an allergic reaction, causing itchiness. You might notice your pet scratching more often. A closer look at your pet might show scabs or flea dirt. These small, dark specks are flea feces, which is the digested blood of the host.

Fleas may bite you as well, leaving itchy welts on your skin. Some can transmit diseases such as typhus and plague. They can infect cats with “cat scratch disease,” which your cat can then pass to you. Some fleas may also pass tapeworms to animals and people.

If you notice fleas on your pet or in your home, you should take care of the issue quickly. They multiply fast, and a few can turn into a serious infestation, causing problems for you and your pets.

Here are a few remedies and treatments you can use to get rid of fleas.

A bath can’t entirely get rid of all fleas living on your pet but can lower their number. This can help ease some of the itching and discomfort for your pet in the short term. Use a shampoo specifically made for getting rid of fleas or a gentle dog shampoo. If your dog has sensitive skin or allergies, call your vet first for their advice.

Don’t bathe your pet for at least 24 to 48 hours after applying a topical flea and tick preventative. Don’t use flea shampoo on kittens or puppies younger than 3 months.

Another way to get some of the fleas off your pet is using a special fine-toothed flea comb. The teeth on a flea comb are spaced to trap fleas while they allow your pet’s fur to pass through. Keep a bowl of water mixed with dish soap nearby. When you see a flea on the comb, dip it in the soapy water to drown it. 

Flea combs also help remove flea poop, sometimes called “flea dirt” — dark brown or black specks that look like pepper flakes. The comb can also help remove eggs from your pet’s fur as well. Be sure to take special care while you comb around your pet’s neck and tail areas. That’s where fleas tend to feed.

Flea combs won’t remove all fleas, but they can be helpful in combination with other flea-removal methods.

Nitenpyram (brand name Capstar) is a chemical used to kill adult fleas. It works fast, killing fleas within 30 minutes. However, it only kills adult fleas. It doesn't prevent new fleas or kill flea eggs or larvae. Think of it as a quick fix to get rid of the fleas you can see right now. To get rid of all stages of fleas, you'll need to use a combination of treatments.

Don’t use nitenpyram for pets weighing less than 2 pounds, puppies or kittens younger than 4 weeks, and pets who are sick or underweight.

Adult flea treatments and preventatives should not be used on puppies and kittens, as these chemicals may be too strong for the smaller size of the animal. The safest option is to use a flea comb to remove fleas from your young pet. Nitenpyram is generally safe for puppies and kittens older than 4 weeks, but do check with your vet first.

Now that you’ve removed most if not all of the fleas from your pet, it’s important to remove any fleas or eggs that might be hiding in your home. 

Wash bedding and toys

Wash your pet’s bedding and toys in warm soapy water. Also, wash your bedding if your pet gets up on your bed, and any throw rugs, bath mats, blankets, or cushions your pet likes to sleep on. Do this regularly until the fleas are gone.

Vacuum floors, upholstery, and crevices

Get rid of fleas on hardwood floors or carpets by vacuuming thoroughly. If your vacuum has a crevice attachment, use it to get into corners and other tight spots where fleas like to hide. Also, use an upholstery attachment to vacuum furniture surfaces and under cushions. Immediately dispose of the dirt in a sealed bag and put it in the trash outside and away from your home. Do this daily until you no longer see fleas.

Use a flea control spray or call pest control

Flea control sprays for your home typically contain a combination of insecticides and insect growth regulators (IGRs). Insecticides, such as pyrethrins or permethrin, kill adult fleas on contact. IGRs, such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen, disrupt the flea life cycle by keeping eggs from hatching and larvae from developing into adults. Some sprays may also contain additional ingredients like deodorizers or fragrances. It's important to choose a product that is safe for your specific pets and living environment and to follow the label instructions carefully.

Exterminator flea treatment

If you have a severe infestation or you cannot control the flea population using the steps above, you may want to call a professional pest control company.

Fleas generally aren’t a medical emergency. In many cases, you should be able to get rid of them without seeing your vet. You should schedule an appointment right away if:

  • Your pet is lethargic.
  • They lose weight unexpectedly.
  • They are scooting across the floor.
  • You notice tapeworm segments in their stool, which are usually about a half-inch long and look like rice grains or cucumber seeds
  • Their gums are pale

These symptoms may point to an issue such as a tapeworm. The sooner you address them, the sooner you can restore your pet’s health and quality of life.

You can prevent fleas on your pet by giving them preventative oral or topical medications regularly. If your pet does get fleas, act quickly to prevent an infestation. A combination of baths, flea combs, and medications can be used to get rid of fleas on your pet. Also, regular, thorough cleaning of your home is crucial until fleas are no longer present.

What kills fleas on dogs immediately?

An over-the-counter medication containing nitenpyram can kill fleas on your pet within 30 minutes. Bathing your dog in warm soapy water can also help kill some fleas. 

How do I get rid of fleas in my house with my pet?

Washing all bedding and toys and vacuuming regularly can help get rid of fleas in your house. You can also use a flea control spray or call pest control if necessary.

Can fleas live in human hair?

Fleas can get into your hair and bite you, but they don’t live in human hair.