Flea Fumigation: Pet and Home Treatment

Understanding Flea Infestations

Fleas are tiny, wingless, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of pets and humans. They can multiply exponentially, laying up to 50 eggs per day, and just a few fleas can turn into a major infestation within weeks. As a pet owner, it is critical that I address a flea problem quickly before it gets out of hand. Fumigation is one of the most effective methods for eliminating fleas, but it requires careful planning to keep my pets safe.

Fleas go through four life stages – egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The eggs and larvae live deep in carpets, furniture, pet beds, and other areas. Once they emerge as adults, the fleas jump onto pets and start biting. They can cause significant irritation, allergies, and skin infections. Fleas also act as carriers of tapeworms and other parasites.

To determine if my home has a flea infestation, I should inspect my pets’ skin and comb through their fur to look for signs of flea dirt (flea feces) or live fleas. I can also place flea traps around the house to capture and count any emerging adult fleas. Just one or two fleas indicates the start of an infestation.

Preparing for Flea Fumigation

Fumigation uses a pesticide gas to permeate the entire structure and kill all stages of fleas. The most common fumigant used is sulfuryl fluoride. As this procedure involves very strong chemicals, I need to make the following preparations:

• Inform the fumigation company about any pets, plants, or fish tanks in the home. The company will provide instructions for protecting them safely.
• Completely empty and seal any aquariums. Remove or isolate any houseplants.
• Remove all people and pets from the structure for the duration of the fumigation and aeration period afterwards, which could be up to a few days. Plan to board pets at a kennel or stay with friends/family during this time.
• Discard any open human or pet food to avoid contamination.
• Follow all directions from the company regarding sealing of the structure, belongings that need to be removed, and notification of neighbors.

Procedure for Fumigation

The fumigation procedure generally proceeds as follows under the supervision of a licensed applicator:

• The structure is completely sealed – doors, windows, vents, etc. This contained environment allows the fumigant to permeate everywhere effectively.

• Fumigation warning signs are posted around the exterior of the house.

• Special fumigation tarps may be used to further contain the gas.

• The fumigant is released into the sealed structure through hoses and diffusers positioned in key areas. A target concentration is achieved to ensure thorough flea extermination.

• The home remains sealed for a 12-24 hour exposure period to eliminate all flea life stages. Aeration then occurs by opening the home and using large fans to circulate fresh air through.

• Once safely aerated, the tarps are removed and the home is cleared for re-entry. The applicator checks fumigant levels to ensure safety before residents return.

• The fleas and eggs are completely dead following a successful fumigation. I can dispose of any flea-infested bedding and thoroughly vacuum to remove debris.

Considerations for Pets

Fumigation is very effective for homes, but I need to take extra precautions for my pets:

• Consult my veterinarian – They can recommend any precautions needed for my pets’ health prior to fumigation. Older or ill pets may be at higher risk.

• Bathe and groom pets – Give them medicated baths and thorough grooming to kill and remove as many fleas as possible before I take them off-site.

• Keep pets away – For the safety of my pets, they cannot be present in the home or yard during fumigation. I will board pets or arrange for them to stay with trusted friends/family.

• Treat pets afterward – Even after home fumigation, my pets can pick up new fleas from outside. I will treat them with vet-recommended medications for a few months after to prevent re-infestation. I can also use flea collars, sprays, or monthly spot-on treatments.

Maintaining Flea Prevention

Fumigating my home provides definitive flea elimination, but prevention is key to keeping them from returning:

• I will vacuum thoroughly and frequently, disposing the bags immediately to remove flea eggs.

• Wash all pet bedding on high heat weekly to kill any eggs or larvae.

• I should treat my yard with sprays or granules designed to kill fleas outdoors.

• During flea season, I can use vet-prescribed medications like monthly chewables or spot-on treatments on my pets.

• If I spot just a few fleas, I will treat right away with targeted flea sprays and powders rather than doing a full fumigation again.

With proper prevention and monitoring, I can avoid recurring flea issues and keep my pets healthy and comfortable in our flea-free home. Fumigation provides the deep, thorough treatment needed in cases of severe infestation.